Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Savage, MN: $42.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Savage, MN runs $42.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Savage's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $42.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,477 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Savage, Minnesota, the projected occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 is $42.05, which reflects a notable gap compared to the national hourly median of $49.71. This difference indicates that professionals in this field may find part-time and per-diem roles less lucrative in Savage, particularly in traditional settings such as hospital rehab units and skilled nursing facilities. For those pursuing part-time work, typically three days a week, the earnings can still provide a solid income, but as they see a pay range of $32.64 in entry-level positions to $54.47 for more experienced therapists, many might opt for a varied approach to enhance their hourly rate. These figures are based on estimates derived from annual salary data, highlighting the diverse earning potential within this rewarding profession.
About the Savage 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) | $32.64 | $261.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.02 | $288.16 |
| Median (P50) | $42.05 | $336.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.84 | $390.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.47 | $435.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Savage
Based on $42.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.05/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Savage, MN can expect to earn approximately $87,461 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,458. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Savage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Savage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,681.94 | $7,288 | $87,461 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.16 | $4,373 | $52,477 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $672.78 | $2,915 | $34,984 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Savage) | $42.05 |
| 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 Savage, MN earn a median of $87,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.42% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.30% below the Minnesota state average of $90,442.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.05/hr = $52,477/year (purchasing power: $53,276).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,461/year (purchasing power: $88,793).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$34.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$40.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Savage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $34.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $40.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Savage grew 18.1% from $34.55/hr (2019) to $40.80/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.34/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 Savage 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 Savage
Occupational therapists with part-time schedules can expect to take home considerably less annually than their full-time counterparts due to the number of hours worked. Taking a 24-hour week as an example, an occupational therapist could generate an income substantially differing from the full-time expected earnings. Additionally, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Savage can range widely, with many OTs billing between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists could command between $80 and $110 in cash-pay environments. Furthermore, travel contracts often entice therapists with rates between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. As employers vary, so do hourly rates, influenced by the type of institution—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to school districts—creating distinct earning opportunities. Some therapists may favor stable hourly rates with benefits over higher rates that lack support, making negotiation skills essential for securing desired compensation within this evolving field.
More salary data for Savage, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Savage in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Savage?
Are occupational therapists in Savage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Savage?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Savage?
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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 Savage. 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 Savage 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