Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Winona, MN: $63,753 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $63,753 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,724 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($85,724) 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 Winona, MN, can expect starting salaries around $63,753, significantly lower than the city median of $85,724. This creates a noticeable gap for early-career professionals in a market where salaries are projected to grow as they gain experience. Over the first three to five years, early-career occupational therapists can anticipate salary increases, moving towards the 25th percentile wage of $71,375 and potentially reaching the median as they establish themselves. Given these figures, Winona presents a decent opportunity for new graduates looking to kickstart their careers, though they should be aware that the overall pay is still trailing behind the national average for this profession.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level occupational therapists in Winona, MN typically start between $63,753 and $71,375 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,002 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $85,724 — 17.09% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $105,000 represents just 164.70% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($63,753/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $63,753 to $71,375, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $44,002 ( 69.02%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $63,753, experienced hygienists can earn up to $107,755.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$49,012
2025 BLS Actual
$61,860
2026 Current Est.
$63,753
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,012 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,469 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,360 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,638 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,860 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,753 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,704 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $49,012 in 2019 to $61,860 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $65,704. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
New grads in Winona have multiple potential avenues to explore for employment. Hospital systems frequently offer residency programs that pave the way for specialty certifications, making them strong prospects for new occupational therapists. Additionally, local school districts often hire graduates on contracts that allow them summer breaks, providing a favorable work-life balance. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are also known to actively recruit new graduates, though job expectations may include meeting specific productivity benchmarks. To enhance starting salaries, obtaining a Master’s degree (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program is essential. Candidates should be prepared to pass the NBCOT national exam and secure their state OT license. Opportunities for additional credentials, like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification, can command higher wages. Given the transition to entry-level OTD by 2027, new graduates should consider ongoing professional development to increase their marketability and earnings, aiming for realistic salary growth through their initial years in an evolving sector.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Winona in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Winona?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Winona?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Winona?
How do I become a occupational therapist in Minnesota?
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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