Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $71,660 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $71,660/year (≈ $34.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,751 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual compensation for an occupational therapy assistant in Prior Lake, Minnesota, is estimated at $71,660, which is slightly below the national median of $74,332. The local salary range shows a broad spectrum, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $50,915 and experienced professionals earning up to $89,245. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price variations, illustrating the potential earning landscape for COTAs in Prior Lake. Those considering a career in occupational therapy assistance should be aware that pursuing further education, such as transitioning from COTA to a master's level OT, can significantly enhance lifetime earnings potential and job opportunities within an evolving healthcare market.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,915 | $24.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,360 | $29.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,660 | $34.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,298 | $36.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,245 | $42.90 |
Median Salary Position
3.59% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,330 (2026 est.). At $71,660, the local median is 3.59% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be above the median
How Prior Lake Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $71,660/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,197 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.59% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $71,660 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.59% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $73,197.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,660 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,751 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,299
2025 BLS Actual
$69,701
2026 Current Est.
$71,660
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,299 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,677 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,627 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,701 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,660 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,673 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,299 (2019) to $69,701 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,673 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,374 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $50,915 – $60,360 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,360 – $71,660 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,660 – $75,298 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,298 – $89,245 |
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 Prior Lake
The local job market for occupational therapy assistants in Prior Lake currently employs seven individuals, reflecting a specialized but growing field. With a cost of living index of 98.5, residents enjoy a slightly lower-than-average cost of living, which can improve take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers that typically offer higher compensation for occupational therapy assistants include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab units. The differences in pay can be influenced by various factors including the work setting, productivity expectations, and contractual arrangements. Moreover, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA-provided services has had implications on salary scales, particularly in outpatient facilities and skilled nursing environments, where budget constraints are increasingly critical. To maximize potential earnings, COTAs in Prior Lake should seek out year-round positions, consider taking on multiple roles, or focus on setups that pay a premium for weekend work or high-demand therapies.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Prior Lake, MN in 2026?
Is Prior Lake, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Prior Lake?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Prior Lake?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Prior Lake?
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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 $69,701 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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