Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Andover, MN: $70,557 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Andover, MN earns a median $70,557/year (≈ $33.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Andover's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $71,631 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Andover, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $70,557 in 2026, which reflects a competitive position in the local job market. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $54,219 and experienced roles reaching up to $85,923. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting the financial realities faced by those in the profession. Given that payment structures often differ among settings, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and school-based contracts having their unique compensation dynamics, understanding where the best opportunities lie will be essential for prospective occupational therapy assistants in Andover.
About the Andover Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,219 | $26.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,395 | $30.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,557 | $33.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,962 | $37.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,923 | $41.31 |
Median Salary Position
5.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Andover
In Andover, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,704 (2026 est.). At $70,557, the local median is 5.08% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Andover: You'd be above the median
How Andover Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Andover median: $70,557/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Andover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,192 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.08% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover, MN earn a median of $70,557 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.08% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $73,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Andover has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Andover, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,557 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,631 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,387
2025 BLS Actual
$68,629
2026 Current Est.
$70,557
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Andover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,387 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,744 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,596 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,988 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,608 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,649 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,629 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,557 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,540 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Andover metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,387 (2019) to $68,629 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,540 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,153 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Andover 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $54,219 – $62,395 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,395 – $70,557 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,557 – $76,962 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,962 – $85,923 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Andover
With only eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Andover, the local job market is relatively small, creating both opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index stands at 98.5, which indicates that the overall affordability in Andover is slightly below the national average, affecting take-home pay and purchasing power. Facilities such as inpatient rehabilitation hospitals may offer higher pay compared to skilled nursing facilities, which have been impacted by the 15% Medicare cut, leading to compressed salaries. Additionally, the variation in compensation reflects productivity expectations, specialty contracts, and whether the position is school-based or clinic-based. Maximizing pay in Andover could involve targeting employers that offer year-round contracts or nighttime and weekend shifts, which may pay at a premium. Understanding how much occupational therapy assistants make in Andover can guide graduates and COTAs in making informed career decisions within this evolving field.
More salary data for Andover, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Andover, MN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Andover?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,629 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Andover metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Andover 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