Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Minnetonka, MN: $72,343 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Minnetonka, MN earns a median $72,343/year (≈ $34.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Minnetonka's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $73,445 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Minnetonka, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $72,343 in 2026, which reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. Salaries within this field range considerably, from $48,664 at the 10th percentile to $91,483 at the 90th percentile. This competitive pay, though slightly below the national median of $74,332, illustrates the dynamic market for COTAs in the region. With productivity expectations tied to visits per day significantly impacting effective compensation, local market conditions may pose both challenges and opportunities for professionals considering careers in this rewarding field.
About the Minnetonka Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,664 | $23.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,403 | $30.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,343 | $34.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,517 | $38.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,483 | $43.98 |
Median Salary Position
2.68% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Minnetonka
In Minnetonka, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,819 (2026 est.). At $72,343, the local median is 2.68% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Minnetonka: You'd be above the median
How Minnetonka Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Minnetonka median: $72,343/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Minnetonka Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,222 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.68% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Minnetonka, MN earn a median of $72,343 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.68% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $73,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Minnetonka 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.
Minnetonka, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $72,343 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,445 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,865
2025 BLS Actual
$70,366
2026 Current Est.
$72,343
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Minnetonka (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,256 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,079 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,531 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,218 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,234 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,366 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,343 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minnetonka metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,865 (2019) to $70,366 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,511 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minnetonka 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) | $48,664 – $63,403 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,403 – $72,343 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,343 – $80,517 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,517 – $91,483 |
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 Minnetonka
Currently, there are 12 occupational therapy assistants working in Minnetonka, suggesting a niche but established presence in the job market. Given the cost-of-living index of 98.5, which is below the national average, the potential purchasing power for COTAs is shaped by local economic factors. Employers such as hospital inpatient rehab facilities generally offer the highest compensation compared to skilled nursing facilities or school district contracts. Disparities in pay can be attributed to various factors, including productivity standards, weekend premiums, and the implications of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on overall OTA earnings. COTAs looking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Minnetonka MN should consider seeking positions in high-paying environments, such as hospitals or specialty outpatient clinics, while also looking into year-round contracts to take full advantage of the market.
More salary data for Minnetonka, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Minnetonka, MN in 2026?
Is Minnetonka, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Minnetonka?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Minnetonka?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Minnetonka?
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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 $70,366 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Minnetonka 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 Minnetonka 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