Evansville vs Fort Wayne: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Evansville, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,599▲ | $89,229 |
| Hourly Rate | $44.52▲ | $42.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,307▲ | $44,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,170▲ | $77,852 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,596 | $107,131▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,334 | $117,993▲ |
| Total Employed | 280 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Evansville and Fort Wayne are closely matched on overall occupational therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Evansville and Fort Wayne is $3,370 (3.78%). Evansville's median is -10.45% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $45,027,Fort Wayne spans $73,533. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Evansville ($101,170 effective) pays 4.96% more than Fort Wayne ($96,389 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($92,599/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,170)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,993)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Evansville grew 23.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$72,660 (2019) → $89,850 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$88,090 (2019) → $86,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Evansville or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Evansville to Fort Wayne as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Evansville vs Fort Wayne?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov