Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in St. Paul, MN: $45.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in St. Paul, MN runs $45.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,495 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against St. Paul's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,300 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In St. Paul, Minnesota, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist is $45.91, which is slightly below the national average of $49.71. This hourly rate translates to varying employment opportunities for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists who work in diverse settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, the median hourly pay can provide a solid income, but remains subject to the types of facilities they choose. Entry-level roles begin at approximately $32.27 per hour, while those reaching the higher pay scales can earn up to $65.47 per hour, demonstrating a significant potential for advancement and pay variability within the profession.
About the St. Paul 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) | $32.27 | $258.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.44 | $299.53 |
| Median (P50) | $45.91 | $367.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.31 | $426.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.47 | $523.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in St. Paul
Based on $45.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.91/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in St. Paul, MN can expect to earn approximately $95,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,096. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in St. Paul.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in St. Paul
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,836.53 | $7,958 | $95,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,101.92 | $4,775 | $57,300 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $734.61 | $3,183 | $38,200 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (St. Paul) | $45.91 |
| 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 St. Paul, MN earn a median of $95,495 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.60% above the Minnesota state average of $90,431.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.91/hr = $57,300/year (purchasing power: $58,172).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,500/year (purchasing power: $96,954).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in St. Paul (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.32/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in St. Paul grew 18.1% from $37.72/hr (2019) to $44.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.32/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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul
When considering employment options, part-time occupational therapists in St. Paul who work around 24 hours a week could expect to take home approximately $57,000 annually, compared to full-time wages. Per-diem roles can offer greater earning potential, with hourly pay ranging from $50 to $75, and specialized hand therapists with the CHT credential can command rates between $80 and $110 for cash-pay services. Job environments also influence earnings, with outpatient clinics often offering competitive rates compared to school district contracts. Furthermore, therapists must weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates with health insurance against the advantage of higher pay without benefits, particularly important during negotiations in the St. Paul job market. Keeping abreast of current rates and advocating for value can enhance compensation as the demand for qualified occupational therapists continues to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%.
More salary data for St. Paul, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in St. Paul in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in St. Paul?
Are occupational therapists in St. Paul paid hourly or salary?
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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 St. Paul. 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 St. Paul 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