Occupational Therapist Pay

Duluth vs Savage: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Duluth, MN and Savage, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Duluth, MN
$87,024
$41.83/hr
Savage, MN
$87,458
$42.05/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNSavage, MN
Median Salary$87,024$87,458
Hourly Rate$41.83$42.05
Entry Level (P10)$77,769$67,893
25th Percentile$80,737$74,925
75th Percentile$98,999$101,590
Top Earner (P90)$103,431$113,288
Total Employed1509
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($87,024) and Savage ($87,458) occupational therapist salaries.DuluthSavageMedian Salary$87,024$87,458Entry Level (P10)$77,769$67,893Top Earner (P90)$103,431$113,288US Median $103,400

Verdict

Savage, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Duluth.

The salary gap between Duluth and Savage is $434 (0.50%). Savage's median is -15.42% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Duluth spans $25,662,Savage spans $45,395. Savage has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Duluth
P10 (Entry)$77,769
P25$80,737
Median$87,024
P75$98,999
P90 (Top)$103,431
Savage
P10 (Entry)$67,893
P25$74,925
Median$87,458
P75$101,590
P90 (Top)$113,288

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($98,035 effective) pays 10.41% more than Savage ($88,790 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $87,024
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $98,035
Savage
Nominal: $87,458
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $88,790

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,035)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Savage if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,458/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($113,288)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Duluth grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Savage over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+15.8%

$72,950 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)

Savage, MN

+1.3%

$83,807 (2024) → $84,861 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Duluth or Savage?

Savage has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $87,458/year, compared to Duluth at $87,024/year — a difference of $434 (0.50%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Savage?

Duluth occupational therapists earn $41.83/hr while Savage hygienists earn $42.05/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Duluth to Savage as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Savage. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $98,035, Savage = $88,790), job availability (150 vs 9 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Duluth vs Savage?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $77,769 in Duluth and $67,893 in Savage. The Duluth area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

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