Ramsey vs St. Cloud: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Ramsey, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ramsey, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,209 | $96,825▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.41 | $46.55▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,353 | $68,525▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $74,528 | $83,808▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $103,389 | $112,119▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,452▲ | $112,119 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 110▲ |
Verdict
St. Cloud, MN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Ramsey.
The salary gap between Ramsey and St. Cloud is $8,616 (9.77%). St. Cloud's median is -6.36% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ramsey spans $53,099,St. Cloud spans $43,594. Ramsey has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, St. Cloud ($110,490 effective) pays 23.38% more than Ramsey ($89,552 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ramsey if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,452)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,825/year)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,490)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Ramsey grew 1.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.7% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Ramsey, MN
$84,527 (2024) → $85,590 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$78,520 (2019) → $93,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ramsey, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Ramsey or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ramsey and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Ramsey to St. Cloud as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Ramsey vs St. Cloud?
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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