Occupational Therapist Salary in Grand Forks, ND: $83,303 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Grand Forks, ND earns a median $83,303/year (≈ $40.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Grand Forks's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.7), that paycheck buys what $96,123 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 12.4% below the North Dakota state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapist salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota, stands at $83,303, which falls short of the national median of $103,400 by nearly 19.44%. Occupational therapists in this region can expect to earn between $68,669 at the lower end and $112,397 at the high end of the pay scale. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, reflects the unique employment landscape in Grand Forks, where OT opportunities span across hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and school districts. Year-round employment often offers higher compensation compared to positions that are tied to the school year, highlighting important structural differences within the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,669 | $33.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,975 | $38.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,303 | $40.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,823 | $49.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,397 | $54.03 |
Median Salary Position
19.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Grand Forks
In Grand Forks, ND, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,728 (2026 est.). At $83,303, the local median is 19.44% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Grand Forks: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Grand Forks Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Grand Forks median: $83,303/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Grand Forks Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $95,095 | -12.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -19.44% less |
Occupational Therapists in Grand Forks, ND earn a median of $83,303 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.44% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 12.40% below the North Dakota state average of $95,095.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Grand Forks has a cost of living 13.34% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Grand Forks, ND has a cost-of-living index of 86.663 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $83,303 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $96,123 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.39% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$68,439
2025 BLS Actual
$80,830
2026 Current Est.
$83,303
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Grand Forks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68,439 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,511 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,980 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $80,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,303 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,852 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Grand Forks metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $68,439 (2019) to $80,830 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,852 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,413 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Grand Forks 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) | $68,669 – $79,975 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,975 – $83,303 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,303 – $102,823 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,823 – $112,397 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Grand Forks
Currently, Grand Forks employs around 60 occupational therapists, with a cost-of-living index of 86.663 that suggests a more affordable lifestyle compared to national averages. Even as the pay is lower than the national median, this index means the take-home purchasing power can still be reasonable, depending on the employer. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer lower salaries, while hospital inpatient rehab units tend to provide better compensation, particularly for those with additional certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Factors influencing salary variation include the setting, productivity expectations, and the specific needs of patients served. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Grand Forks, professionals should consider seeking positions in high-paying facilities or expanding their specialties. Keeping abreast of Medicare policy changes can also provide insight into financial opportunities, especially when navigating potential reimbursement impacts in skilled settings.
More salary data for Grand Forks, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Grand Forks, ND in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Grand Forks?
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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 $80,830 for occupational therapistsin the Grand Forks 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-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