Minneapolis vs St. Paul: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Minneapolis, MN and St. Paul, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Minneapolis, MN | St. Paul, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,464▲ | $95,495 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.38▲ | $45.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,421▲ | $67,122 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,684▲ | $77,871 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,936 | $110,883▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,840 | $136,195▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,590▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Minneapolis, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Paul.
The salary gap between Minneapolis and St. Paul is $969 (1.01%). Minneapolis's median is -6.71% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Minneapolis spans $43,419,St. Paul spans $69,073. St. Paul has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Paul ($96,949 effective) pays 5.35% more than Minneapolis ($92,026 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Minneapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,464/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Paul if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,195)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,949)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Minneapolis grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.8% growth in St. Paul over the same period.
Minneapolis, MN
$75,950 (2019) → $93,600 (2025)
St. Paul, MN
$90,100 (2024) → $92,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Minneapolis or St. Paul?
What is the hourly rate difference between Minneapolis and St. Paul?
Should I relocate from Minneapolis to St. Paul as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Minneapolis vs St. Paul?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov