Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Faribault, MN: $69,162 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Faribault, MN earns a median $69,162/year (≈ $33.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Faribault's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $70,215 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Faribault, Minnesota, is projected to reach a median of $69,162, which is approximately 6.96% below the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, with entry-level assistants earning around $50,304 while more experienced professionals can expect up to $82,941. These figures stem from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variances. In Faribault, the job market reflects a structural divide often influenced by the setting in which therapists work, with post-Medicare cuts shifting compensation dynamics, particularly for those in skilled nursing facilities compared to those in schools or hospitals.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,304 | $24.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,829 | $28.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,162 | $33.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,288 | $36.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,941 | $39.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
In Faribault, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,637 (2026 est.). At $69,162, the local median is 6.96% below the national median of $74,332.
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How Faribault Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Faribault median: $69,162/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Faribault Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,188 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -6.96% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Faribault, MN earn a median of $69,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.96% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $73,188.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Faribault 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.
Faribault, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,162 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $70,215 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,232
2025 BLS Actual
$67,272
2026 Current Est.
$69,162
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,232 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,563 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,437 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,782 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,272 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,162 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,106 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Faribault metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,232 (2019) to $67,272 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,106 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,874 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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) | $50,304 – $58,829 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,829 – $69,162 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,162 – $75,288 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,288 – $82,941 |
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 Faribault
With only six occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Faribault, the local market shows low saturation but limited opportunity for rapid growth, as indicated by a moderate annual growth rate of 2.81%. The cost of living index in the city stands at 98.5, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to the national average, purchasing power remains relatively stable. Among the possible employers in the area, settings such as hospital inpatient rehab typically offer the most competitive pay compared to outpatient clinics or school contracts. The discrepancy in pay can be attributed to factors like productivity expectations, weekend and PRN premiums, as well as the impacts of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut. For COTAs in Faribault, aligning with positions that offer year-round contracts and focusing on settings with higher demand can enhance earning potential, especially as they consider paths to advanced degrees through COTA-to-MOT programs.
More salary data for Faribault, 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 $67,272 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Faribault 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 Faribault 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