Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Dickinson, ND: $66,170 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Dickinson, ND job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $66,170 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Dickinson's local price level (BEA RPP 92.0 — 8% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $71,924 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($93,017) 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 Dickinson, North Dakota can expect a starting occupational therapist salary of approximately $66,170. This figure, while representing the lowest 10% of the salary distribution, highlights a significant gap when compared to the city’s median salary of $93,017. Over the first few years, a new grad has the potential to increase their earnings as they move from the P10 earnings bracket to the P25 at $75,299, and eventually progress toward the city median. This upward trajectory suggests that Dickinson offers a viable market for entry-level occupational therapists, particularly for those willing to engage in targeted professional development and pursue employment with established local employers.
About the Dickinson Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Dickinson
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 Dickinson
Entry-level occupational therapists in Dickinson, ND typically start between $66,170 and $75,299 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $56,123 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $93,017 — 10.04% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in North Dakota of $80,000 represents just 120.90% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($66,170/year) in Dickinson. 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 Dickinson
- 1Research the Dickinson market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $66,170 to $75,299, 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 ND often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Dickinson, 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 Dickinson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Dickinson's below-average 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 Dickinson is $56,123 ( 84.82%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $66,170, experienced hygienists can earn up to $122,293.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,870
2025 BLS Actual
$64,205
2026 Current Est.
$66,170
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Dickinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,870 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,344 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,345 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,709 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,402 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,237 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,205 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,170 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,194 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Dickinson, ND grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,870 in 2019 to $64,205 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $68,194. New graduates entering the Dickinson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dickinson 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 Dickinson
Employers in Dickinson that are known to hire new graduate occupational therapists include local hospital systems, which may provide residency programs aimed at enhancing skillsets and leading to specialty certifications. School districts often seek new graduates, offering contracts that align with a summer break, while skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) actively recruit therapists but may impose productivity pressures. To maximize starting pay in North Dakota, new graduates should ensure they have completed a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam, and acquire a state OT license. Additional credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty, can significantly enhance earning potential as this field moves toward requiring an entry-level OTD by 2027. Within the first three years, realistic salary growth in the Dickinson area aligns with a 3.06% annual increase, indicating a progressive career path for those entering the profession.
More salary data for Dickinson, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Dickinson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Dickinson 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