Occupational Therapist Salary in Fridley, MN: $85,794 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fridley, MN earns a median $85,794/year (≈ $41.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fridley's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $87,101 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Fridley, MN, achieve a median annual salary of $85,794 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national average of $103,400. The salary range for this profession stretches from $63,556 at the 10th percentile to $111,013 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local job market. These figures, based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price variations, suggest that those with advanced credentials, particularly the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) certification, can expect to command higher compensation. This specialized training not only enhances the therapist's skill set but also brings a premium that can significantly influence earnings in Fridley's competitive job sector.
About the Fridley Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,556 | $30.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,517 | $34.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,794 | $41.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,586 | $47.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,013 | $53.37 |
Median Salary Position
17.03% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fridley
In Fridley, MN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,457 (2026 est.). At $85,794, the local median is 17.03% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fridley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fridley Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fridley median: $85,794/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fridley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $90,500 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -17.03% less |
Occupational Therapists in Fridley, MN earn a median of $85,794 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.03% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $90,500.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fridley 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.
Fridley, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $85,794 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $87,101 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,486
2025 BLS Actual
$83,247
2026 Current Est.
$85,794
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fridley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,486 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $71,000 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,314 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,961 | Actual |
| 2024 | $82,213 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,247 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,794 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,420 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fridley metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $70,486 (2019) to $83,247 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,420 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,934 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fridley 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) | $63,556 – $71,517 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,517 – $85,794 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,794 – $99,586 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,586 – $111,013 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fridley
The job market for occupational therapists shows modest employment levels, with only five professionals currently working in the area. This translates into a localized demand that may impact salary negotiations. With a cost-of-living index at 98.5, living expenses in Fridley are generally lower than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of therapists earning competitive salaries. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to offer the highest salaries, in contrast to school contracts or early intervention programs. Factors influencing pay differential include settings, specific certifications like CHT, productivity expectations, and the impact of Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services. To maximize income potential, therapists in Fridley should seek opportunities in high-paying sectors, pursue relevant specializations, and consider year-round positions that typically offer better financial stability and benefits.
More salary data for Fridley, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fridley, MN in 2026?
Is Fridley, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fridley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Fridley?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Fridley?
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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 $83,247 for occupational therapistsin the Fridley 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 Fridley 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