Evansville vs South Bend: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Evansville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $92,599 | $95,516▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $44.52 | $45.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,307▲ | $61,661 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,170▲ | $79,026 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,596 | $115,757▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,334 | $119,148▲ |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 140 |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Evansville.
The salary gap between Evansville and South Bend is $2,917 (3.15%). South Bend's median is -7.62% 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,South Bend spans $57,487. South Bend 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, South Bend ($102,862 effective) pays 1.67% more than Evansville ($101,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,516/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,148)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $102,862)
- ✓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 26.9% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$72,660 (2019) → $89,850 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$73,040 (2019) → $92,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Evansville or South Bend?
What is the hourly rate difference between Evansville and South Bend?
Should I relocate from Evansville to South Bend as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Evansville vs South Bend?
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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