Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Savage, MN: $70,791 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Savage, MN earns a median $70,791/year (≈ $34.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Savage's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $71,869 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant salaries in Savage, Minnesota, reflect a notable divide based on work settings such as skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and hospitals, especially in a post-Medicare cut environment. In 2026, the median salary for this role is projected at $70,791, which is approximately 4.76% lower than the national median of $74,332. Local salary estimates range from $54,781 at the 10th percentile to $86,659 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a varied landscape of compensation tied to employer type and individual qualifications. These figures are based on 2025 BLS Occupational Employment Statistics data, projected for 2026 with adjustments for regional price variations, providing a comprehensive view of the occupational therapy assistant pay in Savage MN.
About the Savage Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,781 | $26.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,885 | $30.24 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,791 | $34.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,491 | $37.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,659 | $41.66 |
Median Salary Position
4.76% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Savage
In Savage, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,878 (2026 est.). At $70,791, the local median is 4.76% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Savage: You'd be above the median
How Savage Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Savage median: $70,791/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Savage Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,207 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.76% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Savage, MN earn a median of $70,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.76% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the Minnesota state average of $73,207.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Savage 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.
Savage, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,791 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,869 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,580
2025 BLS Actual
$68,856
2026 Current Est.
$70,791
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,580 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,942 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,189 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,818 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,855 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,856 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,791 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,780 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Savage metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,580 (2019) to $68,856 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,780 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,200 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Savage 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) | $54,781 – $62,885 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,885 – $70,791 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,791 – $77,491 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,491 – $86,659 |
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 Savage
In the Savage job market, only nine occupational therapy assistants are currently employed, indicating a competitive field where opportunities may be limited. The local cost-of-living index rests at 98.5, which suggests favorable purchasing power for residents but also sets a context for salary expectations. Typically, those working in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to enjoy the highest salaries, while positions within skilled nursing facilities may struggle due to diminished Medicare reimbursements stemming from the 15% cut initiated in 2022. Factors influencing salary variation include the productivity demands of different settings, weekend or PRN premiums, and the scheduling differences between school contracts and year-round positions. To maximize pay, aspiring occupational therapy assistants in Savage should consider pursuing roles in higher-paying environments and staying informed about any potential shifts in Medicare policies, as well as exploring COTA-to-MOT bridge pathways for further education and advancement.
More salary data for Savage, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $68,856 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Savage 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 Savage 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