Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Cottage Grove, MN: $72,262 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Cottage Grove, MN earns a median $72,262/year (≈ $34.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Cottage Grove's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $73,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, can expect a median annual salary of $72,262 in 2026, a figure that slightly aligns below the national median of $74,332. The salary range for this role extends from $52,430 at the lowest decile to $84,355 at the upper end. These estimates consider local economic factors and regional cost adjustments based on data from 2025 projected for 2026. The employment structure within Cottage Grove reveals a notable divide in settings, as job opportunities exist in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), outpatient clinics, and educational institutions. The current post-Medicare cut environment has undoubtedly influenced how compensation is structured across these sectors.
About the Cottage Grove Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,430 | $25.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,613 | $29.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,262 | $34.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,601 | $36.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $84,355 | $40.56 |
Median Salary Position
2.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cottage Grove
In Cottage Grove, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $31,925 (2026 est.). At $72,262, the local median is 2.78% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Cottage Grove: You'd be above the median
How Cottage Grove Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Cottage Grove median: $72,262/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cottage Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,214 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -2.78% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cottage Grove, MN earn a median of $72,262 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.78% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Minnesota state average of $73,214.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cottage Grove 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.
Cottage Grove, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $72,262 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,362 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,797
2025 BLS Actual
$70,287
2026 Current Est.
$72,262
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Cottage Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,797 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,188 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,011 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,461 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,144 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,162 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,287 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,262 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,293 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cottage Grove metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,797 (2019) to $70,287 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,293 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,496 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cottage Grove 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) | $52,430 – $61,613 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,613 – $72,262 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,262 – $76,601 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,601 – $84,355 |
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 Cottage Grove
The local job market currently employs eight occupational therapy assistants, reflecting a modest but stable demand for this profession within Cottage Grove. The cost of living index is at 98.5, indicating affordability compared to the national average, which potentially enhances the purchasing power of local salaries. Among the various employers, inpatient rehabilitation facilities typically offer the most competitive pay, driven by higher productivity expectations and reimbursement rates. Conversely, positions in schools may provide lower wages, sometimes influenced by specific contract terms and the school year calendar. The disparity between salaries is shaped by factors such as the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacting OTA services since 2022, which has particularly compressed pay in SNFs and outpatient clinics. For occupational therapy assistants seeking to maximize their earning potential in Cottage Grove, strategically considering employment in higher-paying settings and pursuing adjunct opportunities during school breaks can be effective methods for increasing overall income.
More salary data for Cottage Grove, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $70,287 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Cottage Grove 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 Cottage Grove 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