Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Rochester, MN: $35.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Rochester, MN runs $35.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,703 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rochester, Minnesota, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $35.44 in 2026, which places it just slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate is favorable for both part-time professionals and per-diem workers who typically operate in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With an hourly range spanning from $26.07 for entry-level positions to approximately $45.61 for experienced top earners, occupational therapy assistants in Rochester can expect a competitive pay structure reflective of their experience and the demand for their services. The hourly rates utilized here are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing prospective COTAs to gauge their potential earnings based on their work schedule preferences.
About the Rochester 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) | $26.07 | $208.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.69 | $245.51 |
| Median (P50) | $35.44 | $283.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.77 | $318.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.61 | $364.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $35.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.44/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, MN can expect to earn approximately $73,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,526. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,417.54 | $6,143 | $73,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $850.53 | $3,686 | $44,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $567.02 | $2,457 | $29,485 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Rochester) | $35.44 |
| 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 Rochester, MN earn a median of $73,703 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.85% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% above the Minnesota state average of $73,191.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.44/hr = $44,227/year (purchasing power: $44,901).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,712/year (purchasing power: $74,835).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rochester grew 17.5% from $29.33/hr (2019) to $34.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.43/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
Within Rochester, even part-time occupational therapy assistants who work 24 hours a week can generate a substantial income, earning a fraction of full-time annual salaries based on their hourly work. Professionals who choose per-diem positions generally see pay ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, while traveling COTA contracts can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 a week. It's essential to recognize that hourly rates differ across various employment types—those in schools may offer less lucrative pay compared to skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics. However, some occupational therapy assistants might prioritize receiving benefits like health insurance over pursuing higher hourly rates by working in settings that do not provide such perks. For those negotiating their pay, knowing the compensation landscape in Rochester and understanding the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on pay rates can empower COTAs to make informed decisions about their employment terms and workplace settings.
More salary data for Rochester, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Rochester?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Rochester?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
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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 Rochester. 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 Rochester 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