Occupational Therapist Salary in Minnesota: $94,492 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Minnesota's 44 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $94,492/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Minnesota sits at BEA RPP 98.5 (1% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $95,931 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: St. Cloud ($93,950), Minneapolis ($93,600), St. Paul ($92,660).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapists in Minnesota is projected to be $94,492, which is 8.6% lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary range across the state is notable, with St. Cloud being the highest-paying city at $96,825 and Faribault at the lowest end with $85,447, creating a difference of $11,378. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as the cost of living, local demand for services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in certain areas. Minnesota has specific state licensing requirements and a defined scope of practice that can influence salary levels. The demand for occupational therapists in Minnesota is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.06%, indicating a strengthening job market. With a total of 3,642 occupational therapists employed in the state, cities like Minneapolis ($96,464), St. Paul ($95,495), Bloomington ($94,754), and Maple Grove ($91,682) follow closely behind St. Cloud in salary projections. Educational institutions and health services in Minnesota contribute to a steady demand for occupational therapy, which can benefit those entering the field. Overall, the compensation trends reflect both local market conditions and broader healthcare dynamics in the state.
Minnesota Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Minnesota: $60,333 (lowest entry-level) to $136,195 (highest top earner)
Minnesota vs National Average
Minnesota occupational therapists earn 8.62% less than the national median ($-8,908/year difference).
Minnesota Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Minnesota range from $70,576 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $113,134 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $94,492. The Minnesota median is $8,908 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $45.43/hr. Approximately 3,642 occupational therapists are employed across 44 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$75,883
2025 BLS Actual
$91,686
2026 Current Est.
$94,492
2019–2027 Growth
+28.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Minnesota (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,883 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,559 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,832 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,489 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,686 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,492 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,383 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Minnesota metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 20.8% from $75,883 (2019) to $91,686 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,383 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,500 (28.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minnesota 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Minnesota
Lowest Paying Cities in Minnesota
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Minnesota
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Minnesota cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud | $96,825 | 87.632 | $110,490 |
| Mankato | $90,456 | 90.955 | $99,451 |
| Duluth | $87,024 | 88.768 | $98,035 |
| St. Paul | $95,495 | 98.5 | $96,949 |
| Rochester | $87,601 | 90.821 | $96,455 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $70,576 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $94,492 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $113,134 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Minnesota metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 44 Cities in Minnesota
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | St. Cloud | $96,825 |
| 2 | Minneapolis | $96,464 |
| 3 | St. Paul | $95,495 |
| 4 | Bloomington | $94,754 |
| 5 | Maple Grove | $91,682 |
| 6 | Woodbury | $91,647 |
| 7 | Eden Prairie | $91,561 |
| 8 | Mankato | $90,456 |
| 9 | Owatonna | $89,795 |
| 10 | Brooklyn Park | $89,677 |
| 11 | Plymouth | $89,519 |
| 12 | Roseville | $89,465 |
| 13 | Chaska | $89,395 |
| 14 | Minnetonka | $89,376 |
| 15 | Cottage Grove | $89,276 |
| 16 | Burnsville | $89,204 |
| 17 | Lakeville | $88,874 |
| 18 | Chanhassen | $88,813 |
| 19 | Inver Grove Heights | $88,672 |
| 20 | Eagan | $88,659 |
| 21 | Brooklyn Center | $88,637 |
| 22 | Elk River | $88,623 |
| 23 | Prior Lake | $88,532 |
| 24 | Ramsey | $88,209 |
| 25 | Blaine | $87,835 |
| 26 | Apple Valley | $87,699 |
| 27 | Shakopee | $87,612 |
| 28 | Rochester | $87,601 |
| 29 | Coon Rapids | $87,599 |
| 30 | Savage | $87,458 |
| 31 | Edina | $87,448 |
| 32 | Maplewood | $87,191 |
| 33 | Andover | $87,170 |
| 34 | Richfield | $87,128 |
| 35 | St. Louis Park | $87,121 |
| 36 | Duluth | $87,024 |
| 37 | Moorhead | $86,995 |
| 38 | Northfield | $86,365 |
| 39 | Hastings | $86,182 |
| 40 | Fridley | $85,794 |
| 41 | Winona | $85,724 |
| 42 | Shoreview | $85,689 |
| 43 | Austin | $85,555 |
| 44 | Faribault | $85,447 |
More Minnesota Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Minnesota cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Compare Cities in Minnesota
View all comparisons →Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Minnesota in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Minnesota?
How does Minnesota occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Minnesota?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Minnesota?
Which Minnesota city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Minnesota. State averages are employment-weighted across 44 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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