Fort Wayne vs Gary: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Gary, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Gary, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,229 | $96,346▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.90 | $46.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,460 | $67,098▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,852▲ | $77,203 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,131 | $109,692▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,993 | $131,235▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Gary, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Wayne.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Gary is $7,117 (7.98%). Gary's median is -6.82% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $73,533,Gary spans $64,137. Fort Wayne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gary ($105,527 effective) pays 9.48% 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 Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Gary if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,346/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,235)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,527)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Fort Wayne grew -1.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.2% growth in Gary over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$88,090 (2019) → $86,580 (2025)
Gary, IN
$80,447 (2024) → $93,485 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Fort Wayne or Gary?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Gary?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Gary as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Fort Wayne vs Gary?
Related Comparisons
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