Rochester vs Woodbury: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Rochester, MN and Woodbury, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | Woodbury, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,601 | $91,647▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.11 | $44.06▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,396▲ | $65,585 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,467▲ | $74,758 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,410 | $105,662▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,469 | $117,870▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Woodbury, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between Rochester and Woodbury is $4,046 (4.62%). Woodbury's median is -11.37% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $28,073,Woodbury spans $52,285. Woodbury has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($96,455 effective) pays 3.67% more than Woodbury ($93,043 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,455)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose Woodbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($91,647/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,870)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Rochester grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.3% growth in Woodbury over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$73,620 (2019) → $85,000 (2025)
Woodbury, MN
$87,821 (2024) → $88,926 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
Woodbury, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Rochester or Woodbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Woodbury?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Woodbury as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Rochester vs Woodbury?
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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