Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fishers, IN: $46.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fishers, IN runs $46.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,995 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fishers's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,596 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Fishers, Indiana, the hourly pay for occupational therapists is projected to be $46.15 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate can significantly impact workers who prefer flexible schedules, such as part-time therapists engaging in three-day workweeks or per-diem therapists. Occupational therapists in various settings—like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient therapy clinics, and schools—enjoy a broad hourly pay range. Entry-level occupational therapists may earn around $31.87 per hour, while highly experienced professionals can command up to $62.53 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, reflect the diverse work opportunities and settings available for occupational therapists in Fishers, IN.
About the Fishers Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.87 | $254.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.78 | $294.26 |
| Median (P50) | $46.15 | $369.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.34 | $418.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.53 | $500.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fishers
Based on $46.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.15/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fishers, IN can expect to earn approximately $95,993 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,380. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fishers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fishers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,846.01 | $7,999 | $95,993 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,107.61 | $4,800 | $57,596 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $738.40 | $3,200 | $38,397 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fishers) | $46.15 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Fishers, IN earn a median of $95,995 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.16% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% below the Indiana state average of $96,188.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.15/hr = $57,596/year (purchasing power: $63,084).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,993/year (purchasing power: $105,140).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fishers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fishers grew 18.1% from $37.92/hr (2019) to $44.78/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.56/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fishers 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Fishers
Examining the potential for part-time earnings reveals that an occupational therapist working three days a week could expect to take home approximately $57,432 annually, contrasting sharply with a full-time colleague's earnings. For per-diem employees or occupational therapists who utilize agency staffing, the dynamics shift further. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Fishers can vary, typically billing between $50 to $75 per hour, while those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may see rates as high as $80 to $110 in cash-pay environments. Other contracts, such as travel OT positions, can offer enticing weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates will vary depending on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics sometimes offering lower wages compared to positions focused on mentorship or specialized therapy in schools. Nonetheless, many may accept lower rates for benefits like health insurance, balancing the trade-offs between hourly compensation and job security. For those seeking to negotiate, ensuring awareness of the local market rates in Fishers and highlighting specialized skills can enhance compensation discussions effectively.
More salary data for Fishers, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fishers in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fishers?
Are occupational therapists in Fishers paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fishers?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fishers?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Indiana
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Fishers. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Fishers 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov