Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Chaska, MN: $34.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Chaska, MN runs $34.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,359 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Chaska's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,419 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chaska, Minnesota, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $34.79 in 2026, slightly lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate is significant for those seeking part-time or per-diem positions, offering flexible opportunities that allow for work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level professionals can expect to earn around $25.32 per hour, while experienced COTAs can command up to $40.70 per hour, emphasizing the potential for career advancement. The pay scale reflects both local economic conditions and market demands, as these figures are estimated from annual salary data, further supporting the notion that hourly rates in Chaska remain competitive within the broader Minnesota context.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.32 | $202.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.72 | $237.78 |
| Median (P50) | $34.79 | $278.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.93 | $295.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.70 | $325.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chaska
Based on $34.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chaska, MN can expect to earn approximately $72,365 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,749. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chaska.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chaska
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,391.64 | $6,030 | $72,365 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $834.98 | $3,618 | $43,419 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.65 | $2,412 | $28,946 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Chaska) | $34.79 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chaska, MN earn a median of $72,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.65% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $73,238.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.79/hr = $43,419/year (purchasing power: $44,080).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,365/year (purchasing power: $73,467).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chaska grew 17.5% from $28.79/hr (2019) to $33.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Chaska
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, translating to roughly 24 hours, may take home around $40,000 annually compared to full-time colleagues earning more substantial salaries. Per-diem roles present another avenue, with pay generally ranging from $30 to $45 per hour in Chaska. The recent changes in national reimbursement laws, including a 15% cut to Medicare Part B for OTA services, have affected compensation in various settings, exerting pressure particularly in skilled nursing facilities. Different employer types also offer varying pay structures; for example, school district contracts often provide stability and benefits, but at a lower hourly rate compared to contract positions. Therefore, occupational therapy assistants in Chaska must weigh the trade-offs of hourly rates against benefits like health insurance, along with practical negotiation tips, such as demonstrating the value of specialized skills or experience, to secure favorable compensation in their roles.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Chaska in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Chaska?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Chaska paid hourly or salary?
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Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Chaska?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Chaska. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chaska is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov