Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Brooklyn Center, MN: $42.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Brooklyn Center, MN runs $42.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,637 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Brooklyn Center's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,184 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist in 2026 is $42.62, which lags behind the national median of $49.71. This difference highlights how local opportunities can vary significantly from national trends. For part-time work, such as a typical schedule of three days a week, therapists may find that their earnings can accumulate to a substantial annual income while balancing flexible hours. Per-diem occupational therapists can expect rates within the range of $30.52 to $56.21, depending on factors such as experience and specialization. Entry-level positions begin around $30.52 per hour, while the most experienced therapists can earn up to $56.21 per hour, making the field potentially lucrative yet variable based on specific employment settings, which might include hospitals, outpatient clinics, or home health visits.
About the Brooklyn Center Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.52 | $244.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.61 | $276.86 |
| Median (P50) | $42.62 | $340.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.73 | $381.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.21 | $449.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brooklyn Center
Based on $42.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.62/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brooklyn Center, MN can expect to earn approximately $88,640 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,138. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brooklyn Center.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brooklyn Center
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,704.61 | $7,387 | $88,640 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,022.77 | $4,432 | $53,184 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $681.84 | $2,955 | $35,456 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Brooklyn Center) | $42.62 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Brooklyn Center, MN earn a median of $88,637 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.28% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $90,446.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.62/hr = $53,184/year (purchasing power: $53,994).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,640/year (purchasing power: $89,990).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Brooklyn Center (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Brooklyn Center grew 18.1% from $35.01/hr (2019) to $41.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.92/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Brooklyn Center 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Brooklyn Center
Conversely, while a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours per week can take home approximately $53,059 annually, a full-time therapist may see payments rise significantly based on their full-time status. For per-diem roles, occupational therapists often bill between $50 to $75 per hour, reflecting an appealing alternative for those who favor flexibility. Furthermore, certified hand therapists may command even higher rates—with cash-pay practices allowing for earnings of $80 to $110 per hour. The pay landscape in Brooklyn Center is also shaped by employer types, as those working in skilled nursing facilities or early intervention programs may experience differing compensation structures. Some occupational therapists trade off higher pay for the stability of employment benefits like health insurance that often come with full-time roles. When negotiating their hourly rates, therapists in Brooklyn Center should consider highlighting their credentials and experience to justify higher compensation, particularly for specialized certifications like the CHT.
More salary data for Brooklyn Center, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Brooklyn Center in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Brooklyn Center?
Are occupational therapists in Brooklyn Center paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Brooklyn Center?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Brooklyn Center?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Brooklyn Center. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Brooklyn Center 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