Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Blaine, MN: $71,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Blaine, MN earns a median $71,096/year (≈ $34.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Blaine's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,179 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Blaine is projected to sit at $71,096, slightly below the national median of $74,332. This salary level reflects a typical pay range from $51,556 at the lower end to $87,460 at the higher end, demonstrating the potential for varying compensation based on experience and work settings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted by regional cost factors, are critical for those considering a career in occupational therapy assistance in Blaine. With a steady growth rate of 2.81% projected over the next five years, opportunities in this field are anticipated to expand, making it an appealing option for those entering the workforce.
About the Blaine Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,556 | $24.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,843 | $29.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,096 | $34.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,661 | $37.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,460 | $42.05 |
Median Salary Position
4.35% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Blaine
In Blaine, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $35,904 (2026 est.). At $71,096, the local median is 4.35% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Blaine: You'd be above the median
How Blaine Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Blaine median: $71,096/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Blaine Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,220 | -2.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -4.35% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Blaine, MN earn a median of $71,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.35% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.90% below the Minnesota state average of $73,220.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Blaine 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.
Blaine, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,096 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,179 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,833
2025 BLS Actual
$69,153
2026 Current Est.
$71,096
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Blaine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,833 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,043 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,453 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,127 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,153 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Blaine metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,833 (2019) to $69,153 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,261 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Blaine 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) | $51,556 – $60,843 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,843 – $71,096 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,096 – $77,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,661 – $87,460 |
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 Blaine
Currently, Blaine has around 18 employed occupational therapy assistants, indicating a localized job market that can significantly impact employment opportunities and salary levels. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, professionals might find their take-home pay effectively stretches further than in many other regions. Among the various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab are noted to offer the most competitive salaries, while school district contracts might present lower pay options. The disparity in salaries often results from differences in productivity expectations and the influence of Medicare reimbursement cuts, particularly after the 15% reduction that took effect in 2022. For those seeking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Blaine, pursuing positions in higher-paying settings, considering contract roles, or advancing to an MOT can significantly enhance lifetime earnings.
More salary data for Blaine, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Blaine, MN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Blaine?
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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 $69,153 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Blaine 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 Blaine 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