Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Owatonna, MN: $34.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Owatonna, MN runs $34.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,683 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Owatonna's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,612 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Owatonna, Minnesota, the projected median hourly rate for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $34.95. This figure positions local pay slightly below the national median of $35.74, reflecting the regional cost of living in the area, which is indexed at 98.5. For those seeking part-time work, typically around three days a week, this hourly rate can translate into a solid income, particularly when considering roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $24.64 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $41.10 per hour. This hourly pay structure provides flexibility for workers, including those in per-diem or agency roles who may adjust their schedules as needed to fit their lifestyle while gaining valuable experience across various therapy settings.
About the Owatonna 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) | $24.64 | $197.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.27 | $234.16 |
| Median (P50) | $34.95 | $279.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.34 | $298.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.10 | $328.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Owatonna
Based on $34.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.95/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Owatonna, MN can expect to earn approximately $72,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,934. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Owatonna.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Owatonna
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,397.80 | $6,057 | $72,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $838.68 | $3,634 | $43,612 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.12 | $2,423 | $29,074 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Owatonna) | $34.95 |
| 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 Owatonna, MN earn a median of $72,683 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% below the Minnesota state average of $73,195.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.95/hr = $43,612/year (purchasing power: $44,276).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,686/year (purchasing power: $73,793).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Owatonna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Owatonna grew 17.5% from $28.92/hr (2019) to $33.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.93/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 Owatonna 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 Owatonna
With a part-time schedule of around 24 hours per week, an occupational therapy assistant could expect to earn roughly $43,160 annually, a significantly lower total compared to full-time earnings. For those considering per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Owatonna, billing rates often range between $30 and $45 per hour, making it an attractive option for those who prioritize flexibility over stability. Travel contracts can be quite lucrative, offering $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, though these rates have faced challenges, particularly after reimbursement cuts. Hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employer type, with skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies sometimes offering lower rates compared to hospital settings. Some occupational therapy assistants may opt for roles with lower hourly pay that provide benefits such as health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits for greater earning potential. Negotiating effectively is key for those in Owatonna's COTA landscape, particularly in emphasizing relevant experience and specialties to secure the best possible rates.
More salary data for Owatonna, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Owatonna in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Owatonna?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Owatonna paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Owatonna?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Owatonna?
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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 Owatonna. 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 Owatonna 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