Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Plymouth, MN: $60,659 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Plymouth, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,659 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,583 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,519) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Plymouth, Minnesota can expect to start with a salary of approximately $60,659. This entry-level pay represents a significant gap from the median annual salary of $89,519 for experienced professionals in the area. However, early-career occupational therapists have the potential to grow their salaries substantially over the first few years. As they gain experience and expertise, they can anticipate moving up to the first quartile, earning around $75,841, and eventually approaching the median. Given the projected growth rate of 3.06% annually, the Plymouth market currently offers reasonable opportunities for new grads, especially when considering local living costs that are slightly below the national average.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
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 Plymouth
Entry-level occupational therapists in Plymouth, MN typically start between $60,659 and $75,841 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $53,714 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,519 — 13.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $105,000 represents just 173.10% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($60,659/year) in Plymouth. 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 Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $60,659 to $75,841, 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 Plymouth, 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 Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth'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 Plymouth is $53,714 ( 88.55%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,659, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,373.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,633
2025 BLS Actual
$58,858
2026 Current Est.
$60,659
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,633 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,068 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,819 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,538 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,858 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,659 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,515 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,633 in 2019 to $58,858 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $62,515. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Several employers in Plymouth provide viable pathways for new occupational therapy graduates. Hospital systems often implement residency programs that lead to specialty certification, granting newcomers a competitive edge as they enter the workforce. Additionally, school districts typically hire new grads on summer-off contracts, offering stability and time for professional development. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also known to recruit aggressively, though they frequently place productivity pressures on staff. To enhance starting salaries, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials such as a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from ACOTE-accredited programs, passing the NBCOT exam, and maintaining a state OT license. Additionally, acquiring board certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can provide substantial salary premiums, a strategic move considering the industry's shift towards advanced qualifications, particularly as ACOTE will require the entry-level OTD by 2027. Realistically, salaries for new grads can see solid growth in their initial years, but the right credentials and experience will significantly influence their earning potential in the context of the local market in Plymouth, MN.
More salary data for Plymouth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Plymouth in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Plymouth?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Plymouth?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Plymouth?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth 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