Indianapolis vs Valparaiso: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Valparaiso, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,181▲ | $68,717 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.26▲ | $33.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,510 | $49,504▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,853▲ | $58,544 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,182▲ | $72,798 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,815▲ | $80,142 |
| Total Employed | 700▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valparaiso.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Valparaiso is $464 (0.68%). Indianapolis's median is -6.93% 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,Valparaiso spans $30,638. 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, Valparaiso ($75,265 effective) pays 4.11% 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…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,181/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,815)
- ✓Larger job market (700 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Valparaiso if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,265)
- ✓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 12.4% growth in Valparaiso over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$52,570 (2019) → $67,290 (2025)
Valparaiso, IN
$59,439 (2024) → $66,839 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Indianapolis or Valparaiso?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Valparaiso?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Valparaiso as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Indianapolis vs Valparaiso?
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