Occupational Therapist Salary in Bloomington, MN: $94,754 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bloomington, MN earns a median $94,754/year (≈ $45.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $96,197 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% above the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the anticipated median annual occupational therapist salary in Bloomington, MN, reaches $94,754, with a salary range extending from $69,058 at the 10th percentile to $123,488 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost considerations, highlight the competitive nature of the local market. Most occupational therapists here face a fundamental choice: they can work primarily in hospital settings, where compensation tends to be higher, or take school-year contracts that may offer different benefits but generally lower pay. This structural choice significantly affects income potential, making it essential for therapists in the area to evaluate the long-term implications of their employment settings on their overall earnings.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,058 | $33.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,228 | $36.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,754 | $45.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,145 | $52.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,488 | $59.37 |
Median Salary Position
8.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, MN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,430 (2026 est.). At $94,754, the local median is 8.36% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $94,754/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $90,414 | +4.80% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -8.36% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bloomington, MN earn a median of $94,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.36% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.80% above the Minnesota state average of $90,414.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomington, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $94,754 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,197 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,847
2025 BLS Actual
$91,941
2026 Current Est.
$94,754
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,847 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,066 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,415 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,389 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,312 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,293 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,941 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,754 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,654 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $77,847 (2019) to $91,941 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,654 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,807 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $69,058 – $76,228 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,228 – $94,754 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,754 – $110,145 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,145 – $123,488 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bloomington
The local job market for occupational therapists in Bloomington is relatively stable, with 18 professionals currently employed in the field. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 98.5, salaries offer a slightly better purchasing power compared to higher-cost areas. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab tend to be among the highest-paying employers, reflecting the demanding nature and patient acuity associated with these settings. The variation in salaries can be attributed to factors such as certification levels—for instance, those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation may command higher rates—as well as the dynamics of productivity expectations. Therapists looking to maximize their pay should consider opportunities in higher-acuity facilities and pursue additional certifications while weighing the benefits of year-round employment against school contracts, especially given the uncertain impact of Medicare reimbursement changes on outpatient therapy practices.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bloomington, MN in 2026?
Is Bloomington, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bloomington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Bloomington?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Bloomington?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $91,941 for occupational therapistsin the Bloomington metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bloomington 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