East Chicago vs Evansville: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between East Chicago, IN and Evansville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Evansville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,258 | $68,060▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.33 | $32.72▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,865 | $53,821▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,134 | $62,961▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,509 | $75,010▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,146▲ | $79,760 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Evansville is $802 (1.19%). Evansville's median is -8.44% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $32,281,Evansville spans $25,939. East Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Evansville ($74,360 effective) pays 0.94% more than East Chicago ($73,667 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,146)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,060/year)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,360)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in East Chicago grew 12.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.2% growth in Evansville over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$58,177 (2024) → $65,420 (2025)
Evansville, IN
$59,540 (2019) → $66,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Evansville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: East Chicago or Evansville?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Evansville?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Evansville as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in East Chicago vs Evansville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov