Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Maplewood, MN: $33.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Maplewood, MN runs $33.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,575 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Maplewood's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,341 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Maplewood, Minnesota, of $33.93 in 2026, local professionals can expect competitive wages, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate positions COTAs well for both part-time and per-diem opportunities, which frequently arise in various healthcare settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage range varies from $26.05 for entry-level practitioners to $41.25 for those at the top of their field, providing ample potential for career growth. These hourly figures stem from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS data and reflect the market's response to economic conditions and regional demands for occupational therapy services.
About the Maplewood Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.05 | $208.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.01 | $240.08 |
| Median (P50) | $33.93 | $271.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.04 | $296.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.25 | $329.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maplewood
Based on $33.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.93/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maplewood, MN can expect to earn approximately $70,569 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,713. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maplewood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maplewood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.09 | $5,881 | $70,569 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.26 | $3,528 | $42,341 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.84 | $2,352 | $28,228 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Maplewood) | $33.93 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Maplewood, MN earn a median of $70,575 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.05% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.60% below the Minnesota state average of $73,211.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.93/hr = $42,341/year (purchasing power: $42,986).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,569/year (purchasing power: $71,643).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Maplewood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.13/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Maplewood grew 17.5% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $33.00/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.88/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Maplewood 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Maplewood
For those considering part-time work as an occupational therapy assistant in Maplewood, a schedule of just three days a week (24 hours) can yield an annual income that can vary significantly compared to full-time roles. While per diem occupational therapy assistants may charge between $30 and $45 per hour, the current trend for travel contracts often sees earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, some facilities, especially in skilled nursing environments, have faced reduced pay due to changes in Medicare reimbursement since the 15% cut implemented in 2022. In Maplewood, earnings can also depend on employer type; outpatient clinics and school districts may pay lower rates compared to hospitals and home health agencies. Occupational therapy assistants might choose to work for organizations offering health benefits at the cost of a lower hourly wage, weighing these benefits against higher salaries without insurance. For those negotiating wages, it's crucial to understand local market conditions, including prevailing hourly rates and potential benefits packages, to secure the best arrangement.
More salary data for Maplewood, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Maplewood in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Maplewood?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Maplewood paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Maplewood?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Maplewood?
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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
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 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Maplewood. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Maplewood 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