Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Mankato, MN: $70,398 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Mankato, MN earns a median $70,398/year (≈ $33.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Mankato's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $71,470 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Mankato, Minnesota can expect a median annual salary of $70,398. This figure is slightly below the national median of $74,332, reflecting the local market dynamics, which offer a salary range from $53,836 at the lower end to $87,915 on the higher end. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight that Mankato's cost of living index—set at 98.5—does play a role in shaping compensation, indicating that the job market can influence income potential. Such productivity expectations often hinge on visits-per-day requirements, particularly in settings like outpatient clinics and skilled nursing facilities where demand for therapy services is high.
About the Mankato Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,836 | $25.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,062 | $29.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,398 | $33.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,959 | $35.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,915 | $42.27 |
Median Salary Position
5.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mankato
In Mankato, MN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $34,079 (2026 est.). At $70,398, the local median is 5.29% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mankato: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mankato Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Mankato median: $70,398/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mankato Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $73,255 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.29% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mankato, MN earn a median of $70,398 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.29% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the Minnesota state average of $73,255.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mankato 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.
Mankato, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,398 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,470 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,255
2025 BLS Actual
$68,474
2026 Current Est.
$70,398
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mankato (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,255 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,609 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,463 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,850 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,464 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,507 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,474 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,398 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,376 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mankato metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,255 (2019) to $68,474 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,376 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,121 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mankato 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) | $53,836 – $62,062 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,062 – $70,398 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,398 – $73,959 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,959 – $87,915 |
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 Mankato
The local job market in Mankato currently employs eight occupational therapy assistants, which indicates a tight-knit community of professionals. Given the below-average cost-of-living index, the purchasing power for residents is bolstered, potentially offsetting lower salary figures compared to national standards. Among employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab programs tend to offer more competitive pay, with outpatient clinics also providing favorable rates, especially when considering productivity standards and the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut instituted in 2022. To maximize pay in this market, occupational therapy assistants should explore opportunities in high-demand settings and consider engaging in year-round contracts, as school-year positions might not offer the same financial rewards. Balancing job settings and contractual agreements with personal career pathways, such as the COTA-to-MOT bridge, may also provide improved salary prospects.
More salary data for Mankato, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Mankato, MN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Mankato?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Mankato?
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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 $68,474 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Mankato 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 Mankato 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