Fishers vs Fort Wayne: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Fishers, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fishers, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,995▲ | $89,229 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.15▲ | $42.90 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,289▲ | $44,460 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,498 | $77,852▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,869▲ | $107,131 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,050▲ | $117,993 |
| Total Employed | 21 | 300▲ |
Verdict
Fishers, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fishers and Fort Wayne is $6,766 (7.58%). Fishers's median is -7.16% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fishers spans $63,761,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, Fishers ($105,142 effective) pays 9.08% 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 Fishers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($95,995/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,050)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,142)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓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 Fishers grew 16.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.7% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Fishers, IN
$80,155 (2024) → $93,145 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$88,090 (2019) → $86,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fishers, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Fishers or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fishers and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Fishers to Fort Wayne as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Fishers 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