Occupational Therapist Pay

Duluth vs Winona: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

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

Duluth, MN
$87,024
$41.83/hr
Winona, MN
$85,724
$41.21/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDuluth, MNWinona, MN
Median Salary$87,024$85,724
Hourly Rate$41.83$41.21
Entry Level (P10)$77,769$63,753
25th Percentile$80,737$71,375
75th Percentile$98,999$97,575
Top Earner (P90)$103,431$107,755
Total Employed1504
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Duluth ($87,024) and Winona ($85,724) occupational therapist salaries.DuluthWinonaMedian Salary$87,024$85,724Entry Level (P10)$77,769$63,753Top Earner (P90)$103,431$107,755US Median $103,400

Verdict

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

The salary gap between Duluth and Winona is $1,300 (1.52%). Duluth's median is -15.84% 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,Winona spans $44,002. Winona 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
Winona
P10 (Entry)$63,753
P25$71,375
Median$85,724
P75$97,575
P90 (Top)$107,755

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Duluth ($98,035 effective) pays 12.65% more than Winona ($87,029 effective).

Duluth
Nominal: $87,024
CoL Index: 88.768
Adjusted: $98,035
Winona
Nominal: $85,724
CoL Index: 98.5
Adjusted: $87,029

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Duluth if…

  • Higher median salary ($87,024/year)
  • Larger job market (150 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,035)
  • You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle

Choose Winona if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($107,755)
  • 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 Winona over the same period.

Duluth, MN

+15.8%

$72,950 (2019) → $84,440 (2025)

Winona, MN

+1.3%

$82,146 (2024) → $83,179 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Duluth or Winona?

Duluth has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $87,024/year, compared to Winona at $85,724/year — a difference of $1,300 (1.52%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Duluth and Winona?

Duluth occupational therapists earn $41.83/hr while Winona hygienists earn $41.21/hr (2026 est.).

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

Consider more than just salary when comparing Duluth and Winona. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Duluth = $98,035, Winona = $87,029), job availability (150 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

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

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $77,769 in Duluth and $63,753 in Winona. 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