Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $49.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Indianapolis, IN runs $49.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $103,142 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,891 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Indianapolis, an occupational therapist can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $49.59, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This competitive pay is particularly appealing for those working part-time or in per-diem roles. For example, an occupational therapist working three days a week may combine this hourly wage with flexible schedules in diverse settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics. The hourly range for occupational therapists in Indianapolis stretches from $38.78 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $61.77 for top earners, based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. This flexibility in working hours allows for varied professional experiences while still securing a solid income.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.78 | $310.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.64 | $333.09 |
| Median (P50) | $49.59 | $396.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.39 | $419.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.77 | $494.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $49.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.59/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $103,152 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,511. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,983.70 | $8,596 | $103,152 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,190.22 | $5,158 | $61,891 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $793.48 | $3,438 | $41,261 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Indianapolis) | $49.59 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $103,142 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.25% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.20% above the Indiana state average of $96,215.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.59/hr = $61,891/year (purchasing power: $64,675).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $103,152/year (purchasing power: $107,792).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51.11/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Indianapolis grew 16.0% from $41.50/hr (2019) to $48.12/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $51.11/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Evaluating the earning potential for part-time occupational therapists reveals noteworthy differences. An occupational therapist working 24 hours per week can take home approximately $60,000 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts but enough for a sustainable living in a city where the cost of living is below the national average. For those considering per-diem opportunities, billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 an hour, with certified hand therapists earning premiums of $80 to $110 in specialized cash-pay practices. Travel contracts present even greater financial incentives, with weekly earnings of $1,800 to $2,800. The type of employer greatly influences hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities often paying differently than hospital or school district roles. Therapists must weigh the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and stable jobs that offer comprehensive health insurance. Negotiation tactics are vital, particularly in the Indianapolis job market, where skills such as CHT credentials can leverage improved rates.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Indianapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Indianapolis?
Are occupational therapists in Indianapolis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Indianapolis?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Indianapolis?
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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
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 Indianapolis. 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