Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lakeville, MN: $34.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lakeville, MN runs $34.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,937 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lakeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,162 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Lakeville, MN averages $34.59, slightly below the national median of $35.74. For professionals working in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, this rate translates into a competitive wage, especially for those considering part-time positions or per-diem work. A part-time occupational therapy assistant working three days a week can expect to earn approximately $2,200 a month or more, depending on their hours. Those just starting their careers may earn around $25.68 per hour, while experienced assistants can make as much as $44.50 per hour, highlighting the range of earning potential based on experience and setting.
About the Lakeville 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) | $25.68 | $205.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.08 | $240.66 |
| Median (P50) | $34.59 | $276.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.96 | $295.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.50 | $355.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeville
Based on $34.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeville, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,937 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,502. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,383.41 | $5,995 | $71,937 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $830.05 | $3,597 | $43,162 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $553.36 | $2,398 | $28,775 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lakeville) | $34.59 |
| 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 Lakeville, MN earn a median of $71,937 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.22% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.70% below the Minnesota state average of $73,181.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.59/hr = $43,162/year (purchasing power: $43,820).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,937/year (purchasing power: $73,033).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lakeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakeville grew 17.5% from $28.62/hr (2019) to $33.64/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.56/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 Lakeville 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 Lakeville
When looking at part-time opportunities, occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can earn around $47,992 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts, but still offering flexibility. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Lakeville typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with traveling contracts bringing in between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. The breakdown of pay often varies by employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics feeling pressure from the recent 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting reimbursement rates. This has led some COTAs to seek positions that offer health insurance and stability, even if it means accepting lower hourly rates. Negotiation is essential for OTAs; discussing the balance between hourly pay and benefits can lead to significant improvements in overall compensation. Understanding the local market and gathering salary information can empower occupational therapy assistants in Lakeville to make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Lakeville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lakeville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lakeville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lakeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lakeville?
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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 Lakeville. 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 Lakeville 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