Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Austin, MN: $69,251 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Austin, MN earns a median $69,251/year (≈ $33.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Austin's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $70,306 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.4% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in Austin, Minnesota, is projected at $69,251. This figure is slightly below the national median of $74,332, highlighting the impact of local market dynamics, including the shift in post-Medicare reimbursement structures. Compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Austin varies significantly, with a salary range stretching from $48,737 at the 10th percentile to $81,860 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data take into consideration regional price adjustments, reflecting a cost of living index of 98.5, which is slightly below the national average. The employment landscape for occupational therapy assistants is also shaped by the specific work settings; thus, individuals considering opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, schools, or hospitals need to understand how these sectors influence pay.
About the Austin Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,737 | $23.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,148 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,251 | $33.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,030 | $35.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,860 | $39.36 |
Median Salary Position
6.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Austin
In Austin, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,123 (2026 est.). At $69,251, the local median is 6.84% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Austin: You'd be above the median
How Austin Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Austin median: $69,251/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Austin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,204 | -5.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -6.84% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Austin, MN earn a median of $69,251 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.84% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.40% below the Minnesota state average of $73,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Austin 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.
Austin, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,251 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,306 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,306
2025 BLS Actual
$67,358
2026 Current Est.
$69,251
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Austin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,858 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,358 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,251 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,197 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Austin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,306 (2019) to $67,358 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,197 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,891 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Austin 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $48,737 – $58,148 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,148 – $69,251 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,251 – $74,030 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,030 – $81,860 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Austin
With only four occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Austin, the local job market presents unique opportunities and challenges. The cost-of-living index at 98.5 suggests that earnings here may stretch further than in higher-cost areas, allowing for reasonable take-home purchasing power. Historically, skilled nursing facilities tend to provide the highest compensation among local employers, followed by hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient clinics. The variance in pay is driven by factors such as differing productivity expectations and the types of contracts offered—particularly with the impact of the 15% Medicare cut for outpatient and SNF services. COTAs seeking to enhance their earnings might consider pursuing positions that offer year-round contracts or those that provide weekend and PRN opportunities to capitalize on increased pay for flexibility. Understanding these dynamics will be key for occupational therapy assistants navigating the compensation landscape in Austin, MN.
More salary data for Austin, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Austin?
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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
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 $67,358 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Austin metropolitan area. A 2.81% 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 Austin 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