Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Winona, MN: $33.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Winona, MN runs $33.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,387 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Winona's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,636 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapy assistants in Winona, Minnesota earn a median hourly rate of $33.36, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly pay can significantly affect part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day-per-week schedule, as well as per-diem professionals who might find themselves working in a variety of settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For those entering the field, starting at around $24.73 per hour, while experienced specialists may reach up to $39.56. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a reliable lens through which to view the earning potential of occupational therapy assistants in this region.
Analyzing the part-time earnings of a 24-hour work week, one finds that an occupational therapy assistant would take home about $41,564 annually, compared to a full-time worker who may earn significantly more. Per-diem workers, often billing between $30 and $45 per hour, encounter a dynamic and sometimes fluctuating earning environment, especially post-2022 due to reimbursement cuts that impacted premium pay in skilled nursing facilities. In Winona, hourly rates can widely vary depending on the employer type; for example, hospital settings may offer different rates compared to outpatient clinics or school districts. Many occupational therapy assistants may seek out positions with traditional benefits, which could lead them to accept slightly lower hourly wages, while others might prefer higher pay without health coverage. Job seekers should consider negotiating based on these factors to align their compensation with their financial needs and work-life preferences in the competitive occupational therapy landscape.
About the Winona 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) | $24.73 | $197.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.83 | $230.62 |
| Median (P50) | $33.36 | $266.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.74 | $285.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.56 | $316.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Winona
Based on $33.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.36/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Winona, MN can expect to earn approximately $69,393 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,034. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Winona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Winona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,334.47 | $5,783 | $69,393 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $800.68 | $3,470 | $41,636 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $533.79 | $2,313 | $27,757 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Winona) | $33.36 |
| 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 Winona, MN earn a median of $69,387 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.65% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $73,194.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.36/hr = $41,636/year (purchasing power: $42,270).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,393/year (purchasing power: $70,449).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.08/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Winona grew 17.5% from $27.61/hr (2019) to $32.45/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.30/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 Winona 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.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Winona in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Winona?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Winona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Winona?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Winona?
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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 Winona. 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 Winona 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