Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $46.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Minneapolis, MN runs $46.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,464 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,878 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Minneapolis, the primary occupational therapist hourly pay is pegged at $46.38, which slightly trails the national median of $49.71. This difference highlights an interesting dynamic for both part-time and per-diem workers in varied settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For instance, working three days per week, an occupational therapist could anticipate a stable income while enjoying a more flexible schedule. Entry-level therapists might see hourly wages around $33.37, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $54.25 if they occupy more senior positions. Such structures within the hourly rate system reflect the variances in experience, setting, and responsibilities, aligning well with the 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.37 | $266.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.71 | $325.67 |
| Median (P50) | $46.38 | $371.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.49 | $395.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.25 | $434.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis
Based on $46.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.38/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $96,464 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,652. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,855.08 | $8,039 | $96,464 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,113.05 | $4,823 | $57,878 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $742.03 | $3,215 | $38,586 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Minneapolis) | $46.38 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $96,464 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.71% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.60% above the Minnesota state average of $90,492.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.38/hr = $57,878/year (purchasing power: $55,216).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,464/year (purchasing power: $92,027).
CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$36.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Minneapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Minneapolis grew 23.2% from $36.52/hr (2019) to $45.00/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.80/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Minneapolis
Part-time occupational therapists working in Minneapolis have the potential to craft a diverse income profile. For example, those employed 24 hours per week can expect a significant annual income relative to full-time practitioners, with earnings reflective of their flexible arrangements. Contract work boosts the earning potential significantly, with per-diem occupational therapists billing anywhere from $50 to $75 per hour, while specialists like CHT-certified hand therapists can command rates between $80 and $110 for cash-pay practices. In the case of travel contracts, hourly workers may see lucrative weekly paychecks that range from $1,800 to $2,800. Rates also fluctuate by employer type, with skilled nursing, hospitals, and schools often presenting different salary norms. Therapists may find trade-offs where those in hospitals receive benefits but at a slightly lower rate compared to independent contractors who earn higher hourly wages. For those interested in securing better compensation, knowing the local market and negotiating based on specific skill sets, such as the CHT credential, could prove advantageous for future hourly pay discussions.
More salary data for Minneapolis, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Minneapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Minneapolis?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Minneapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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