Occupational Therapist Salary in Indiana: $98,862 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Indiana's 43 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $98,862/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Indiana sits at BEA RPP 91.3 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $108,283 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Indianapolis ($100,080), Carmel ($99,203), Greenwood ($98,002).
In Indiana, the projected average median salary for occupational therapists in 2026 is $98,862, which is approximately 4.4% lower than the national median of $103,400. The highest paying city in the state is Indianapolis, where salaries reach $103,142, while Goshen offers the lowest at $86,323, resulting in a salary difference of $16,819 between these two locations. This gap can be attributed to variations in local demand for occupational therapy services, cost of living, and the presence of healthcare facilities. Occupational therapists in Indiana must adhere to state licensing requirements and understand the scope of practice that may vary slightly from other states. Factors driving demand include an aging population, increased emphasis on rehabilitation services, and greater awareness of the benefits of occupational therapy. Indiana’s job market for occupational therapists is projected to grow at an annual compound growth rate of 3.06%, indicating steady demand for these professionals as healthcare continues to expand. Overall, the landscape for occupational therapy in Indiana offers a reliable job outlook, particularly in metropolitan areas where salaries tend to be higher.
Indiana Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Indiana: $44,460 (lowest entry-level) to $136,297 (highest top earner)
Indiana vs National Average
Indiana occupational therapists earn 4.39% less than the national median ($-4,538/year difference).
Indiana Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Indiana range from $72,356 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $124,461 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $98,862. The Indiana median is $4,538 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $47.53/hr. Approximately 3,055 occupational therapists are employed across 43 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$84,105
2025 BLS Actual
$95,927
2026 Current Est.
$98,862
2019–2027 Growth
+21.1%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Indiana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $84,105 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,114 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,194 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,538 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,281 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,009 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,927 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,862 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,888 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indiana metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 14.1% from $84,105 (2019) to $95,927 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,888 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,783 (21.14%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indiana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Indiana
Lowest Paying Cities in Indiana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Goshen | $86,323 |
| Elkhart | $87,560 |
| Munster | $88,535 |
| Fort Wayne | $89,229 |
| Avon | $90,445 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Indiana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Indiana cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carmel | $102,239 | 91.3 | $111,981 |
| Terre Haute | $97,299 | 87.797 | $110,823 |
| Greenwood | $101,001 | 91.3 | $110,625 |
| Muncie | $96,928 | 88.148 | $109,961 |
| Indianapolis | $103,142 | 95.696 | $107,781 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $72,356 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $98,862 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $124,461 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Indiana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 43 Cities in Indiana
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis | $103,142 |
| 2 | Carmel | $102,239 |
| 3 | Greenwood | $101,001 |
| 4 | Bloomington | $100,463 |
| 5 | Lafayette | $99,700 |
| 6 | West Lafayette | $98,141 |
| 7 | Terre Haute | $97,299 |
| 8 | Noblesville | $97,291 |
| 9 | Muncie | $96,928 |
| 10 | Gary | $96,346 |
| 11 | Fishers | $95,995 |
| 12 | South Bend | $95,516 |
| 13 | Kokomo | $95,145 |
| 14 | Plainfield | $95,086 |
| 15 | Valparaiso | $94,914 |
| 16 | Columbus | $94,810 |
| 17 | Westfield | $94,608 |
| 18 | Franklin | $94,594 |
| 19 | Schererville | $94,384 |
| 20 | Mishawaka | $94,290 |
| 21 | Anderson | $94,052 |
| 22 | Richmond | $93,637 |
| 23 | Hammond | $93,595 |
| 24 | Marion | $92,995 |
| 25 | Portage | $92,944 |
| 26 | East Chicago | $92,898 |
| 27 | New Albany | $92,884 |
| 28 | Jeffersonville | $92,705 |
| 29 | Evansville | $92,599 |
| 30 | Zionsville | $92,443 |
| 31 | Hobart | $92,406 |
| 32 | Merrillville | $92,302 |
| 33 | Granger | $92,272 |
| 34 | Lawrence | $92,055 |
| 35 | Crown Point | $91,674 |
| 36 | Shelbyville | $91,646 |
| 37 | Michigan City | $91,510 |
| 38 | Brownsburg | $91,092 |
| 39 | Avon | $90,445 |
| 40 | Fort Wayne | $89,229 |
| 41 | Munster | $88,535 |
| 42 | Elkhart | $87,560 |
| 43 | Goshen | $86,323 |
More Indiana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Indiana cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Compare Cities in Indiana
View all comparisons →Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Indiana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Indiana?
How does Indiana occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Indiana?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Indiana?
Which Indiana city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Indiana. State averages are employment-weighted across 43 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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