Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Prior Lake, MN: $34.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Prior Lake, MN runs $34.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,660 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Prior Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,996 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median hourly rate of $34.45, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate provides an attractive opportunity for part-time workers, especially those employed three days a week, allowing flexibility while maintaining a reasonable income. Hourly earnings can range significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $24.48 and experienced professionals potentially earning up to $42.90 per hour. These figures are based on anticipated annual salaries derived from BLS data, reflecting the varied settings in which occupational therapy assistants operate, including skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home contexts. The range of pay indicates a competitive landscape for COTAs, especially in a community like Prior Lake, where occupational therapy is vital for many patients' recovery and development.
About the Prior Lake 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) | $24.48 | $195.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.02 | $232.19 |
| Median (P50) | $34.45 | $275.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.90 | $343.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Prior Lake
Based on $34.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.45/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Prior Lake, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,659 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,342. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Prior Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Prior Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,378.07 | $5,972 | $71,659 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $826.84 | $3,583 | $42,996 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $551.23 | $2,389 | $28,664 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Prior Lake) | $34.45 |
| 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 Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $71,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.59% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $73,197.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.45/hr = $42,996/year (purchasing power: $43,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,659/year (purchasing power: $72,751).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Prior Lake grew 17.5% from $28.51/hr (2019) to $33.51/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.42/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 Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake
When evaluating the financial aspects of an occupational therapy assistant career, it's crucial to consider part-time earnings versus full-time income. While working 24 hours a week may yield a comfortable income, many part-time COTAs find themselves navigating the challenges of healthcare's evolving reimbursement models. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Prior Lake typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, and travel contracts can command higher wages, running between $1,100 and $1,700 per week. However, post-2022 reimbursement cuts from Medicare have impacted agency COTAs’ ability to negotiate premium pay, especially in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly rates will also differ based on employer type: while early intervention and school districts may offer lower pays, they often include comprehensive benefits, a trade-off many COTAs consider when seeking job stability in Prior Lake. Negotiating terms effectively requires an understanding of these differences and the local market's current state to ensure compensation aligns with professional needs and personal circumstances.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Prior Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Prior Lake?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Prior Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Prior Lake?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Prior Lake?
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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 Prior Lake. 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 Prior Lake 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