Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Fort Wayne, IN: $42.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Fort Wayne, IN runs $42.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $89,229 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Fort Wayne's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,544 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Wayne, Indiana, the projected median occupational therapist hourly pay for 2026 stands at $42.90. This figure contrasts with the national median hourly rate of $49.71, indicating a noticeable variance that professionals in the area should consider. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a substantial weekly income, allowing some flexibility in addressing personal and professional commitments. Entry-level therapists might earn as low as $21.37 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $56.72 as they progress in their careers. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data reflects the wide range of settings where occupational therapists can practice, from hospital rehabilitation units and skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and early intervention programs.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.37 | $171.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.43 | $299.45 |
| Median (P50) | $42.90 | $343.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.50 | $411.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.72 | $453.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Wayne
Based on $42.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.90/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Wayne, IN can expect to earn approximately $89,240 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,485. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Wayne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Wayne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,716.16 | $7,437 | $89,240 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,029.69 | $4,462 | $53,544 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $686.46 | $2,975 | $35,696 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Fort Wayne) | $42.90 |
| 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 Fort Wayne, IN earn a median of $89,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.71% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.30% below the Indiana state average of $96,256.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.90/hr = $53,544/year (purchasing power: $57,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $89,240/year (purchasing power: $96,401).
CoL index: 92.572 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+4.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fort Wayne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $44.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fort Wayne grew -1.7% from $42.35/hr (2019) to $41.63/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $44.22/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 Fort Wayne 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 Fort Wayne
Beyond the standard hourly pay, part-time occupational therapists in Fort Wayne can expect to take home approximately $53,269 annually when working 24 hours a week. Per diem roles offer even greater variability: many occupational therapists bill between $50 and $75 per hour, and those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may demand upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Travel contracts, another lucrative avenue, can yield $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Across various employer types, such as mental health facilities, home health agencies, and school districts, hourly pay can fluctuate, often reflecting the benefits offered. While some therapists may choose lower hourly rates for comprehensive health insurance, others may prefer higher rates without benefits, allowing for greater financial freedom. For those seeking employment in Fort Wayne, negotiation strategies should focus on emphasizing experience and credentials, particularly for positions in specialized fields like hand therapy, where CHT certification is a distinct advantage.
More salary data for Fort Wayne, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Fort Wayne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Fort Wayne?
Are occupational therapists in Fort Wayne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Fort Wayne?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Wayne?
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 Fort Wayne. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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