Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Ramsey, MN: $50,296 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Ramsey, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $50,296 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Ramsey's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,062 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,398) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, newly graduated occupational therapy assistants in Ramsey, Minnesota, can expect to earn a starting salary around $50,296. While this is below the city's median annual salary of $71,398, it provides a solid foundation for entry-level professionals. With a structured career path, new COTAs can anticipate progressive earnings, moving from the entry-level to a potential $62,583 within a few years. This gap highlights the importance of professional growth and continuous education, which can propel early-career assistants toward more lucrative positions. Overall, Ramsey presents a viable market for fresh graduates, offering job opportunities that can support their career development in the field.
About the Ramsey Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Ramsey
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 Ramsey
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Ramsey, MN typically start between $50,296 and $62,583 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,070 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,398 — 3.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Minnesota of $24,000 represents just 47.72% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($50,296/year) in Ramsey. 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 Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Ramsey
- 1Research the Ramsey market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $50,296 to $62,583, 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 Ramsey, 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 Ramsey for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Ramsey's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Ramsey is $38,070 ( 75.69%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $50,296, experienced hygienists can earn up to $88,366.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$39,648
2025 BLS Actual
$48,921
2026 Current Est.
$50,296
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Ramsey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,648 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,026 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,475 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,548 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,242 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,921 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,296 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,709 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Ramsey, MN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $39,648 in 2019 to $48,921 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $51,709. New graduates entering the Ramsey job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ramsey 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 2.81% 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 Ramsey
Employers in Ramsey looking to hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants primarily include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which often take in new grads while providing valuable on-the-job training. School districts may also be appealing for those seeking a more family-friendly schedule, especially during summer. Outpatient clinics traditionally prefer experienced assistants, though many are open to training new grads, particularly for roles in pediatric or hand-therapy settings. Raising qualifications by obtaining a COTA credential from the NBCOT and acquiring a state license can further enhance earning potential. New occupational therapy assistants should actively seek continuing education opportunities from AOTA to explore specialized areas, leading to better positions and pay. Factors affecting realistic salary growth during the first three years will include the current economic conditions and health care regulations, such as the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which impacts pay in SNFs and outpatient settings. Careful planning and networking can significantly influence career trajectories in Ramsey, MN.
More salary data for Ramsey, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Ramsey in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Ramsey?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Ramsey?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Ramsey?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Ramsey. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ramsey 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov