Occupational Therapist Salary in Chaska, MN: $89,395 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Chaska, MN earns a median $89,395/year (≈ $42.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Chaska's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $90,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for an occupational therapist in Chaska, Minnesota, is projected to be $89,395. This figure sits at approximately 13.54% below the national median of $103,400, reflecting local market dynamics and cost-of-living adjustments. Salaries in Chaska will range from a lower threshold of $65,280 at the 10th percentile to a higher threshold of $110,955 at the 90th percentile. These projections, drawn from 2025 BLS data, reveal a significant variance that can largely be attributed to the choice between employment settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and school districts. The decision of whether to work year-round or take on school-year contracts also impacts salary dynamics, providing opportunities for occupational therapists to strategize their career paths accordingly.
About the Chaska Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,280 | $31.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,544 | $35.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,395 | $42.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $100,892 | $48.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $110,955 | $53.34 |
Median Salary Position
13.54% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chaska
In Chaska, MN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,675 (2026 est.). At $89,395, the local median is 13.54% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Chaska: You'd be above the median
How Chaska Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Chaska median: $89,395/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chaska Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $90,481 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -13.54% less |
Occupational Therapists in Chaska, MN earn a median of $89,395 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.54% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.20% below the Minnesota state average of $90,481.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chaska 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.
Chaska, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $89,395 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $90,756 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$73,444
2025 BLS Actual
$86,741
2026 Current Est.
$89,395
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chaska (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $73,444 | Actual |
| 2020 | $74,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,980 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,559 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,317 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,664 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,741 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,395 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,131 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chaska metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $73,444 (2019) to $86,741 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,131 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,687 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chaska 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) | $65,280 – $73,544 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,544 – $89,395 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,395 – $100,892 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $100,892 – $110,955 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Chaska
Currently, there are five occupational therapists employed in Chaska, which suggests a relatively small but specialized job market. Given the cost of living index in Chaska is 98.5, professionals may find their purchasing power to be fairly accessible, allowing for a decent quality of life with local salaries. Employers offering the highest pay in the area include hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient hand therapy clinics, given that these settings typically prioritize experienced practitioners. The disparity in occupational therapist pay in Chaska may stem from various factors, such as the rise in productivity expectations, the availability of specialty certifications like CHT, and the ongoing impacts of Medicare cuts on SNFs and outpatient services. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing board certifications and seeking positions in higher-paying facilities could yield significant financial returns in this local market.
More salary data for Chaska, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Chaska, MN in 2026?
Is Chaska, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Chaska?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Chaska?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Chaska?
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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 $86,741 for occupational therapistsin the Chaska 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 Chaska 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