Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Duluth, MN: $41.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Duluth, MN runs $41.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,024 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Duluth's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.8, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,206 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Duluth, Minnesota, the occupational therapist hourly pay is set at a median of $41.83, which falls short of the national hourly median of $49.71. This hourly rate provides a viable income for professionals working part-time or in per-diem roles, commonly found in rehabilitation unit settings, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and during home health visits. For instance, working three days per week can make a significant impact on an occupational therapist's annual earnings, while per-diem positions offer flexible schedules that allow therapists to pick up shifts as needed. Entry-level occupational therapists in Duluth earn around $37.39 per hour, while those at the top end of the pay spectrum can make as much as $49.73, reflecting a diverse job market for those in the field. This data is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.39 | $299.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.81 | $310.50 |
| Median (P50) | $41.83 | $334.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.59 | $380.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.73 | $397.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Duluth
Based on $41.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $41.83/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Duluth, MN can expect to earn approximately $87,011 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,198. With a cost-of-living index of 88.77 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Duluth.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Duluth
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,673.28 | $7,251 | $87,011 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,003.97 | $4,351 | $52,206 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $669.31 | $2,900 | $34,804 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Duluth) | $41.83 |
| 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 Duluth, MN earn a median of $87,024 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.84% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $90,461.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $41.83/hr = $52,206/year (purchasing power: $58,812).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,011/year (purchasing power: $98,020).
CoL index: 88.768 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$41.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Duluth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Duluth grew 15.7% from $35.07/hr (2019) to $40.59/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.11/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 Duluth 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 Duluth
For part-time occupational therapists working a typical 24-hour week, the annual income would be approximately $65,500, which provides a solid return yet is notably less than what full-time therapists earn. In per-diem situations, OTs can often command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) can enjoy even higher earnings, with pay ranging from $80 to $110 in cash-practice settings. Additionally, travel contracts often yield weekly compensation of $1,800 to $2,800, reflecting a lucrative segment of occupational therapy employment. Pay can vary significantly depending on the type of employer, with those in skilled nursing or early intervention programs typically earning lower hourly rates compared to hospital therapy or outpatient clinics. This difference can lead some occupational therapists to prioritize higher-paying hourly rates without benefits, while others may choose stability that comes with a lower hourly but includes health insurance and other advantages. Negotiation tips, such as emphasizing credentials like CHT or advanced degrees, can help enhance earnings potential in the local market.
More salary data for Duluth, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Duluth in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Duluth?
Are occupational therapists in Duluth paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Duluth?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Duluth?
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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 Duluth. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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