Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Roseville, MN: $65,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Roseville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $65,354 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Roseville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $66,349 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($89,465) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the field of occupational therapy in Roseville, Minnesota, the entry-level salary landscape presents both opportunities and challenges. In 2026, those starting in this profession can expect a salary around $65,354, which is significantly lower than the city median annual salary of $89,465. This gap highlights the pay scale most often associated with entry-level positions, which generally range in the early years from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile, with reasonable growth potential as practitioners gain experience. Over the first three to five years, new grads can realistically progress towards the 25th percentile figure of $73,688, but this will require dedication and strategic career moves within the local healthcare market. Given Roseville's cost of living index of 98.5, which is below the national average, the starting occupational therapist salary in Roseville can still provide a viable opportunity for recent graduates.
About the Roseville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Roseville
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Roseville
Entry-level occupational therapists in Roseville, MN typically start between $65,354 and $73,688 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $48,756 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $89,465 — 13.48% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $105,000 represents just 160.66% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($65,354/year) in Roseville. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Roseville
- 1Research the Roseville market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $65,354 to $73,688, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Roseville, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Roseville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Roseville's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Roseville is $48,756 ( 74.60%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $65,354, experienced hygienists can earn up to $114,110.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$50,243
2025 BLS Actual
$63,414
2026 Current Est.
$65,354
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Roseville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,712 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,675 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,682 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,771 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,414 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,354 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Roseville, MN grew 26.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $50,243 in 2019 to $63,414 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $67,354. New graduates entering the Roseville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Roseville 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.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Roseville
When considering employment options, new grad occupational therapists in Roseville have various avenues worth exploring. Local hospitals often offer residency programs that can aid in acquiring specialty certifications, significantly boosting starting pay. School districts are another avenue, frequently hiring new graduates on contracts that align with the academic calendar, which can be advantageous for work-life balance. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) aggressively recruit recent graduates, albeit with a focus on productivity, which new entrants should be prepared for. Holding a master's or doctoral degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT exam, and acquiring licensure in Minnesota are essential steps that can elevate initial compensation. Additionally, pursuing optional board certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can lead to the highest premiums and greater career growth potential. Within the first few years, new OTs may see growth in their earnings as they gain experience, with realistic increases expected based on local market conditions and the evolving demands of the profession.
More salary data for Roseville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Roseville in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Roseville?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Roseville?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Roseville?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Roseville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Roseville 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