Occupational Therapist Salary in Prior Lake, MN: $88,532 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Prior Lake, MN earns a median $88,532/year (≈ $42.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Prior Lake's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $89,880 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, the median occupational therapist salary in Prior Lake, MN, is estimated at $88,532, which reflects a notable deviation from the national median of $103,400. This salary range spans from $63,119 at the 10th percentile to $116,561 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a varied compensation landscape. These figures are influenced by 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price adjustments in the area. As changes in Medicare reimbursement impact skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy, the evolving compensation structures are essential for both current and aspiring occupational therapists in Prior Lake to consider in their career plans.
About the Prior Lake Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,119 | $30.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,771 | $34.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $88,532 | $42.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,954 | $47.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $116,561 | $56.04 |
Median Salary Position
14.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Prior Lake
In Prior Lake, MN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,442 (2026 est.). At $88,532, the local median is 14.38% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Prior Lake: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Prior Lake Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Prior Lake median: $88,532/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Prior Lake Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $90,431 | -2.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -14.38% less |
Occupational Therapists in Prior Lake, MN earn a median of $88,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.38% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.10% below the Minnesota state average of $90,431.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Prior Lake 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.
Prior Lake, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $88,532 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $89,880 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$72,735
2025 BLS Actual
$85,903
2026 Current Est.
$88,532
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Prior Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72,735 | Actual |
| 2020 | $73,873 | Actual |
| 2021 | $73,265 | Actual |
| 2022 | $79,781 | Actual |
| 2023 | $82,512 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,836 | Actual |
| 2025 | $85,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $88,532 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Prior Lake metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $72,735 (2019) to $85,903 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,506 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Prior Lake 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) | $63,119 – $71,771 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,771 – $88,532 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $88,532 – $98,954 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,954 – $116,561 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Prior Lake
Currently, seven occupational therapists are employed in Prior Lake, contributing to a tight-knit local job market. The cost of living index sits at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries may fall below the national average, the purchasing power is relatively preserved, allowing for comfortable living in the area. Employers known for paying competitively include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers, where demand often drives higher pay compared to school contracts or early intervention programs. Factors contributing to salary discrepancies include the setting of practice, with hospital-based positions generally yielding better compensation than school-based roles. Additionally, obtaining a specialty certification such as the CHT can significantly enhance earning potential. To maximize income, occupational therapists may consider seeking positions in high-demand sectors, staying abreast of productivity expectations, and negotiating stipends for additional credentials or certifications.
More salary data for Prior Lake, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Prior Lake, MN in 2026?
Is Prior Lake, MN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Prior Lake?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Prior Lake?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Prior Lake?
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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 $85,903 for occupational therapistsin the Prior Lake 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 Prior Lake 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