Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Fort Wayne, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Fort Wayne, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,181 | $75,185▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.26 | $36.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,510 | $54,356▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,853 | $64,739▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $80,182▲ | $78,660 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,815 | $92,395▲ |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Indianapolis.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne is $6,004 (8.68%). Fort Wayne's median is +1.15% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $50,305,Fort Wayne spans $38,039. Indianapolis 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, Fort Wayne ($81,218 effective) pays 12.35% more than Indianapolis ($72,292 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($75,185/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,395)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,218)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Indianapolis grew 28.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.8% growth in Fort Wayne over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$52,570 (2019) → $67,290 (2025)
Fort Wayne, IN
$58,590 (2019) → $73,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Fort Wayne, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Indianapolis or Fort Wayne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Indianapolis vs Fort Wayne?
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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