Occupational Therapist Salary in New Albany, IN: $92,884 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in New Albany, IN earns a median $92,884/year (≈ $44.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in New Albany's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $101,735 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Occupational therapists in New Albany, Indiana, can expect a median annual salary of $92,884 in 2026, reflecting local demand for services across various settings such as hospitals, school districts, and skilled nursing facilities. The salary range extends from $68,673 for entry-level positions to $120,028 at the higher end of the market, based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026. For occupational therapists, deciding between year-round contracts that typically offer more stability in a hospital or home health setting versus academic year contracts can significantly affect compensation and work-life balance. This salary structure indicates a vibrant local job market that is well-suited for those considering a career in occupational therapy.
About the New Albany Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,673 | $33.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,328 | $37.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,884 | $44.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,718 | $51.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,028 | $57.70 |
Median Salary Position
10.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in New Albany
In New Albany, IN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,355 (2026 est.). At $92,884, the local median is 10.17% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in New Albany: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How New Albany Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
New Albany median: $92,884/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | New Albany Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $96,253 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.17% less |
Occupational Therapists in New Albany, IN earn a median of $92,884 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.17% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $96,253.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
New Albany has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
New Albany, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,884 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,735 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,310
2025 BLS Actual
$90,126
2026 Current Est.
$92,884
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in New Albany (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $77,505 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,867 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,703 | Actual |
| 2023 | $86,569 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,556 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,126 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,884 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,726 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the New Albany metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $76,310 (2019) to $90,126 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,726 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,416 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the New Albany 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $68,673 – $77,328 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,328 – $92,884 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,884 – $107,718 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,718 – $120,028 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in New Albany
With nine occupational therapists currently employed in the area, the job market in New Albany remains relatively tight, creating opportunities for competition among employers. The cost of living index stands at 91.3, suggesting that the local economy is more affordable than the national average, enhancing the purchasing power of salaries earned. Employers in skilled nursing facilities often provide lower pay rates compared to hospital settings, where inpatient rehab programs tend to offer better compensation. Factors driving the disparity in occupational therapist pay in New Albany include the specific demands of each setting, expectations for productivity, and potential specialization, such as hand therapy, which commands a premium through the CHT credential. For professionals looking to maximize their pay, targeting hospital positions and obtaining certifications like CHT can be effective strategies in this market.
More salary data for New Albany, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in New Albany, IN in 2026?
Is New Albany, IN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in New Albany?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in New Albany?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in New Albany?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $90,126 for occupational therapistsin the New Albany metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for New Albany 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