Occupational Therapist Salary in Faribault, MN: $85,447 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Faribault, MN earns a median $85,447/year (≈ $41.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Faribault's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $86,748 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Faribault, MN, can expect a median annual salary of $85,447 in 2026, reflecting local estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price considerations. With a salary range stretching from $62,364 at the 10th percentile to $108,364 at the 90th percentile, there is potential for significant variance based on work settings. Faribault offers diverse occupational therapy opportunities across hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), giving professionals the choice between year-round positions or school-year contracts, which can influence both job satisfaction and income potential in this growing market.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,364 | $29.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $69,937 | $33.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $85,447 | $41.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,647 | $47.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,364 | $52.10 |
Median Salary Position
17.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
In Faribault, MN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,000 (2026 est.). At $85,447, the local median is 17.36% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Faribault Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Faribault median: $85,447/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Faribault Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $90,420 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -17.36% less |
Occupational Therapists in Faribault, MN earn a median of $85,447 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.36% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $90,420.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Faribault has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Faribault, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $85,447 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,748 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$70,200
2025 BLS Actual
$82,910
2026 Current Est.
$85,447
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $70,200 | Actual |
| 2020 | $71,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $70,713 | Actual |
| 2022 | $77,001 | Actual |
| 2023 | $79,638 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,910 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,447 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,062 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Faribault metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $70,200 (2019) to $82,910 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,062 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,862 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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) | $62,364 – $69,937 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $69,937 – $85,447 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $85,447 – $98,647 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,647 – $108,364 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Faribault
With six occupational therapists currently employed in the area, Faribault's job market represents a small but vital segment in the occupational therapy field. The cost-of-living index of 98.5 indicates that housing and everyday expenses are slightly below the national average, enhancing take-home purchasing power for those in this profession. Typically, higher pay is associated with employment in inpatient rehab hospitals and specialized hand therapy clinics, while school contracts and SNFs tend to offer lower compensation. Factors contributing to the spread in occupational therapist pay in Faribault include setting differences, board certification bonuses like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) premium, and productivity expectations, especially in school versus year-round roles. Occupational therapists looking to maximize their earnings should consider pursuing specialized certifications and exploring opportunities in high-demand settings, as well as negotiating contracts that reflect their skills and the local job market dynamics.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Faribault, MN in 2026?
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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 $82,910 for occupational therapistsin the Faribault 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
Salary data for Faribault 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