Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fridley, MN: $33.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fridley, MN runs $33.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,444 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fridley's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,661 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fridley, Minnesota, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is estimated at $33.38, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This level of compensation presents opportunities for various working arrangements within settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those engaged in part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a decent income while still maintaining a flexible lifestyle. The range of hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Fridley spans from around $24.65 at entry-level positions to approximately $40.83 for seasoned practitioners, making it a versatile career for both new graduates and experienced professionals alike.
About the Fridley 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) | $24.65 | $197.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.89 | $231.12 |
| Median (P50) | $33.38 | $267.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.52 | $292.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.83 | $326.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fridley
Based on $33.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.38/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fridley, MN can expect to earn approximately $69,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,059. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fridley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fridley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,335.30 | $5,786 | $69,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $801.18 | $3,472 | $41,661 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.12 | $2,315 | $27,774 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fridley) | $33.38 |
| 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 Fridley, MN earn a median of $69,444 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $73,253.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.38/hr = $41,661/year (purchasing power: $42,296).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,435/year (purchasing power: $70,493).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.64/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fridley grew 17.5% from $27.62/hr (2019) to $32.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.32/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 Fridley 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 Fridley
The earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants reflects a difference in stability compared to their full-time counterparts. For example, working 24 hours a week at the current hourly rate could yield around $41,997 annually—significantly lower than that of a full-time role but still reliable for supplemental income. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fridley typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts often reaching $1,100 to $1,700 per week; however, occupancy rates in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services have faced pressure due to reimbursement cuts introduced in 2022. Different employer types, from school districts to outpatient clinics, create a varied salary experience, often requiring assistants to weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against potential health insurance offerings. For those negotiating pay within Fridley’s market, expressing flexibility in work arrangements or demonstrating specialty skills may lead to better hourly rates.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fridley in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fridley?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fridley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fridley?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fridley?
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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 Fridley. 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 Fridley 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