Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Minot, ND: $32.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Minot, ND runs $32.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,159 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Minot's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Minot, North Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $32.29, which falls short of the national median of $35.74. This discrepancy may influence part-time workers and those considering per-diem roles in fields such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For a typical part-time schedule of three days a week, the rate of $32.29 provides a steady income, while entry-level practitioners can expect to earn around $23.16 per hour, and top earners can command up to $38.51. Such hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, highlighting the potential earnings in various therapeutic settings across Minot.
About the Minot Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.16 | $185.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.33 | $218.62 |
| Median (P50) | $32.29 | $258.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.73 | $277.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.51 | $308.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minot
Based on $32.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.29/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minot, ND can expect to earn approximately $67,169 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,751. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Minot.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minot
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,291.70 | $5,597 | $67,169 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $775.02 | $3,358 | $40,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.68 | $2,239 | $26,867 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Minot) | $32.29 |
| 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 Minot, ND earn a median of $67,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.65% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the North Dakota state average of $68,390.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.29/hr = $40,301/year (purchasing power: $43,806).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,169/year (purchasing power: $73,009).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Minot grew 17.5% from $26.72/hr (2019) to $31.41/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.20/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 Minot 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 Minot
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours weekly could anticipate earnings of approximately $40,000 annually if maintaining the hourly median. In contrast, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Minot can vary significantly, with COTAs often billing between $30 and $45 per hour; travel positions may offer weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. However, the reductions in agency COTA rates following the 15% Medicare Part B cut may affect overall compensation. Hourly rates also change depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school districts often providing varying compensation structures. For some COTAs, accepting a lower hourly rate in exchange for health benefits can be a practical decision, while others may prioritize higher wages without benefits. When negotiating hourly pay in Minot, it’s crucial for COTAs to clearly demonstrate their qualifications and appeal to potential employers’ needs for skilled staff.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Minot in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Minot?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Minot paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Minot?
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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 Minot. 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 Minot 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