Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Richmond, IN: $47,309 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Richmond, IN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,309 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Richmond's local price level (BEA RPP 91.3 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,817 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,793) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the field of occupational therapy assistance in Richmond, Indiana, can anticipate a starting salary in the region of $47,309. While this amount may feel modest when compared to the median entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Richmond, which stands at $67,793, it is important for new COTAs to remain optimistic. With time and experience, starting salaries can progress toward $60,757 in just a few years, and ultimately align closer to the city median. Richmond presents a relatively stable job market for entry-level positions, especially considering the projected growth rate of 2.81%. This growth can provide new graduates with ample opportunities for advancement within their first few years.
About the Richmond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Richmond
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 Richmond
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Richmond, IN typically start between $47,309 and $60,757 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,355 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,793 — 8.8% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Indiana of $20,000 represents just 42.28% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($47,309/year) in Richmond. 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 Richmond
- 1Research the Richmond market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $47,309 to $60,757, 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 Richmond, 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 Richmond for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Richmond'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 Richmond is $32,355 ( 68.39%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,309, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,664.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$37,294
2025 BLS Actual
$46,016
2026 Current Est.
$47,309
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,294 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,589 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,834 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,496 | Actual |
| 2024 | $41,276 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,309 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,638 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Richmond, IN grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $37,294 in 2019 to $46,016 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $48,638. New graduates entering the Richmond job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Richmond 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 Richmond
In Richmond, employers hiring new occupational therapy assistants often include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and rehabilitation firms, which typically recruit fresh graduates looking to gain their first experience. School districts, offering summer breaks, also present opportunities for COTAs. Outpatient clinics may prefer candidates with some experience, but those willing to learn can receive training in specialized areas, such as pediatric care or hand therapy support. Achieving an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT national exam for COTA certification, and securing a state license enhances starting pay potential. However, career prospects in these early years are somewhat impacted by a 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022, which has affected compensation in both SNF and outpatient settings. Over the first few years, COTAs can expect gradual salary increases as they gain experience, develop skills, and potentially pursue advanced practice paths, aligning their earnings with expectations for new grad occupational therapy assistant pay in Indiana.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Richmond?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Richmond?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Richmond?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Indiana?
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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 Richmond. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Richmond 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