Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Shoreview, MN: $63,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Shoreview, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,309 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Shoreview's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,273 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,689) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for new graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Shoreview, Minnesota, can be quite promising, with entry-level positions projected to start around $63,309 in 2026. Though this figure is below the overall median annual salary of $85,689 for the city, it reflects a clear path for salary growth in the early stages of one's career. Entry-level therapists can expect to progress towards the 25th percentile pay of $69,401 within a few years, with the opportunity to reach the median as they gain experience and skills over approximately three to five years. Given the 3.06% annual growth rate anticipated in this sector, Shoreview continues to be a favorable market for new graduates seeking to begin their careers, especially considering the competitive salary landscape compared to surrounding areas.
About the Shoreview Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Shoreview
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 Shoreview
Entry-level occupational therapists in Shoreview, MN typically start between $63,309 and $69,401 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,336 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,689 — 17.13% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $105,000 represents just 165.85% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($63,309/year) in Shoreview. 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 Shoreview
- 1Research the Shoreview market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $63,309 to $69,401, 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 Shoreview, 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 Shoreview for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Shoreview'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 Shoreview is $44,336 ( 70.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,309, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,645.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$48,670
2025 BLS Actual
$61,429
2026 Current Est.
$63,309
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Shoreview (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,670 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,124 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,995 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,429 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,246 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Shoreview, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $48,670 in 2019 to $61,429 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,246. New graduates entering the Shoreview job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shoreview 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 Shoreview
Employers in Shoreview actively seek new graduates for positions across various settings, including hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Many hospital systems offer structured residency programs that lead to specialty certifications, while school districts are inclined to hire fresh graduates under contracts that allow for summer breaks. Skilled nursing facilities may offer aggressive recruitment practices, albeit with the potential of high productivity expectations. To boost initial earnings, new graduates should focus on obtaining credentials from an ACOTE-accredited program and passing the NBCOT national exam, alongside securing their state OT license. Opportunities for additional certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can further elevate starting pay within the first few years. Given that entry-level requirements evolved to mandate a master's or doctoral degree post-2007, and the anticipated shift to an entry-level OTD by 2027, recent graduates would do well to embrace ongoing education and competency development to maximize their salary growth and career advancement in the evolving landscape of occupational therapy in Shoreview, MN.
More salary data for Shoreview, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Shoreview in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Shoreview?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Shoreview?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Shoreview?
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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 Shoreview. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Shoreview 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