Bloomington vs Minneapolis: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Bloomington, MN and Minneapolis, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, MN | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $94,754 | $96,464▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $45.55 | $46.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,058 | $69,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,228 | $84,684▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,145▲ | $102,936 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,488▲ | $112,840 |
| Total Employed | 18 | 2,590▲ |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Minneapolis is $1,710 (1.80%). Minneapolis's median is -6.71% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $54,430,Minneapolis spans $43,419. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($96,197 effective) pays 4.53% more than Minneapolis ($92,026 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,488)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,197)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,464/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bloomington grew 9.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Minneapolis over the same period.
Bloomington, MN
$84,293 (2024) → $91,941 (2025)
Minneapolis, MN
$75,950 (2019) → $93,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bloomington or Minneapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bloomington and Minneapolis?
Should I relocate from Bloomington to Minneapolis as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bloomington vs Minneapolis?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov