Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Edina, MN: $63,017 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Edina, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,017 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Edina's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $63,977 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($87,448) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting positions for occupational therapists in Edina, MN, present a competitive financial outlook for new graduates. Projected to reach a base salary of $63,017 in 2026, entry-level professionals can expect to bridge the gap to the city’s median annual salary of $87,448 over time. As entry-level practitioners gain experience, their pay is likely to ascend toward the 25th percentile at $71,661, with growth potential reaching the city median within just a few years. With a 3.06% annual growth rate predicted for the field, Edina can be considered a viable market for new grads entering the workforce, particularly as they build essential skills and seek advancement opportunities.
About the Edina Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Edina
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Edina
Entry-level occupational therapists in Edina, MN typically start between $63,017 and $71,661 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,188 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $87,448 — 15.43% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $105,000 represents just 166.62% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($63,017/year) in Edina. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Edina
- 1Research the Edina market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $63,017 to $71,661, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Edina, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Edina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Edina's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Edina is $53,188 ( 84.40%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,017, experienced hygienists can earn up to $116,205.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,446
2025 BLS Actual
$61,146
2026 Current Est.
$63,017
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Edina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,898 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,755 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,007 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,619 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,679 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,146 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,017 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,945 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Edina, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,446 in 2019 to $61,146 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $64,945. New graduates entering the Edina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Edina 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Edina
Employers in Edina actively seek to hire new graduates for various roles in healthcare settings. Major hospital systems often provide residency programs that allow newcomers to gain valuable experience while working towards specialty certifications. Additionally, local school districts offer contracts for physical therapy during the school year, often with summer breaks. Skilled nursing facilities are another avenue, although new graduates may encounter productivity expectations that can affect job satisfaction. To enhance earning potential, graduates should focus on obtaining their Master's (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from ACOTE-accredited programs, passing the NBCOT national exam, and securing a state OT license. Pursuing optional board certifications, particularly in hand therapy (CHT), can significantly boost starting pay. New OTs in their first few years may realistically anticipate salary growth as they establish themselves within the profession and respond to evolving industry standards regarding entry-level qualifications. The looming mandate for the OTD by 2027 will further underscore the value of advanced education in ensuring future career success.
More salary data for Edina, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Edina in 2026?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Edina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Edina 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov