Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Woodbury, MN: $35.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Woodbury, MN runs $35.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,182 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Woodbury's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,510 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodbury, the hourly compensation for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $35.66 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. This pay scale makes the profession appealing to those seeking part-time work, particularly for individuals looking to balance a 24-hour work week across three days. For per-diem workers, who may operate in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, the hourly wage reflects the flexibility of these roles. Entry-level positions begin at approximately $25.44, while those with more experience can earn as high as $43.25 per hour, illustrating a broad spectrum of earning potential within the field.
About the Woodbury 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) | $25.44 | $203.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.21 | $241.64 |
| Median (P50) | $35.66 | $285.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.70 | $309.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.25 | $346.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodbury
Based on $35.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.66/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodbury, MN can expect to earn approximately $74,183 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,798. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodbury.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodbury
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,426.59 | $6,182 | $74,183 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $855.95 | $3,709 | $44,510 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.64 | $2,473 | $29,673 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Woodbury) | $35.66 |
| 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 Woodbury, MN earn a median of $74,182 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% above the Minnesota state average of $73,230.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.66/hr = $44,510/year (purchasing power: $45,187).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,183/year (purchasing power: $75,312).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Woodbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woodbury grew 17.5% from $29.51/hr (2019) to $34.69/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.67/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 Woodbury 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 Woodbury
For those opting for part-time positions, working as an occupational therapy assistant in Woodbury can yield significant annual earnings, although these figures can contrast with full-time roles. A 3-day work schedule allows for substantial take-home pay despite being less than full-time salaries. Per diem opportunities present their own dynamics, with typical pay ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, while contracted COTAs can see weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. However, many occupational therapy assistants may find themselves weighing the financial benefits against job security and health insurance options offered in traditional employment. Understanding the hourly rate variance across employer types is essential; skilled nursing facilities often offer lower wages compared to outpatient programs, which may attract potential hires looking for more competitive per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Woodbury. Overall, effective negotiation tailored to the unique context of Woodbury’s job market is crucial for maximizing hourly compensation in this field.
More salary data for Woodbury, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Woodbury in 2026?
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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 Woodbury. 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 Woodbury 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