Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Franklin, IN: $49,238 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Franklin, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $49,238 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Franklin's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $53,930 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,485) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those seeking entry-level positions as occupational therapy assistants in Franklin, Indiana, the 2026 projected starting salary is around $49,238. This figure falls significantly below the city's median of $68,485, highlighting a clear pay gap of nearly $19,247 for new graduates. However, as individuals gain experience over the first few years, they can expect to see their earnings rise along with their skills. By hitting the P25 mark at approximately $58,059 and progressing towards the median, new COTAs have the potential to increase their annual pay steadily, reflecting an encouraging growth trajectory as they transition from entry-level roles.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Franklin
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Franklin
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Franklin, IN typically start between $49,238 and $58,059 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,429 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,485 — 7.87% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Indiana of $20,000 represents just 40.62% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($49,238/year) in Franklin. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Franklin
- 1Research the Franklin market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $49,238 to $58,059, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in IN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Franklin, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Franklin for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Franklin's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Franklin is $32,429 ( 65.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $49,238, experienced hygienists can earn up to $81,667.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$38,814
2025 BLS Actual
$47,892
2026 Current Est.
$49,238
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,814 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,163 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,539 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,269 | Actual |
| 2024 | $42,947 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,892 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,238 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,621 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Franklin, IN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $38,814 in 2019 to $47,892 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $50,621. New graduates entering the Franklin job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Franklin
In Franklin, various employers are actively seeking new grads to fill occupational therapy assistant roles. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the top hirers for entry-level COTAs due to their demand for rehabilitation services, while school districts provide appealing schedules that accommodate the summer break. Outpatient clinics may have a bias towards experienced COTAs but often offer training opportunities for fresh graduates in specialized areas like pediatric or hand therapy. To boost their starting pay, new grads should ensure they complete an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, pass the NBCOT national exam to obtain their COTA credential, and secure a state license. Although the 15% Medicare Part B cut for OTA-provided services has affected compensation in some settings, COTAs can realistically expect their pay to grow over the first three years, especially as they gain valuable experience and pursue advanced practice areas endorsed by AOTA.
More salary data for Franklin, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Franklin in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Franklin?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Franklin?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Franklin. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Franklin 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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