Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in East Chicago, IN: $32.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in East Chicago, IN runs $32.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,258 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against East Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,353 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in East Chicago, Indiana, can expect a median hourly rate of $32.33, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This rate presents a viable earning opportunity for both part-time workers and per diem positions. For those working approximately three days a week, typically at skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or through home health visits, this hourly pay supports a balanced approach to professional life while allowing flexibility. The hourly pay range in East Chicago varies from $23.98 for entry-level positions to $39.49 for the most experienced assistants, reflecting the diversity in roles and settings. These projections, derived from annual salary estimates, highlight the potential for occupational therapy assistants to cater to different pay scales based on their expertise and the specific therapeutic environments they operate in.
About the East Chicago Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.98 | $191.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.95 | $223.63 |
| Median (P50) | $32.33 | $258.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.35 | $282.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.49 | $315.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Chicago
Based on $32.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Chicago, IN can expect to earn approximately $67,254 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,800. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in East Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.35 | $5,605 | $67,254 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.01 | $3,363 | $40,353 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.34 | $2,242 | $26,902 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (East Chicago) | $32.33 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Chicago, IN earn a median of $67,258 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.52% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.50% below the Indiana state average of $69,698.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.33/hr = $40,353/year (purchasing power: $44,198).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,254/year (purchasing power: $73,663).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in East Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.24/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in East Chicago grew 17.5% from $26.76/hr (2019) to $31.45/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.24/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Chicago 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in East Chicago
When considering part-time employment, a 24-hour workweek at the median hourly rate of $32.33 translates to a substantial annual income for a COTA while still prioritizing personal commitments. In contrast to full-time earnings, this part-time structure allows many occupational therapy assistants to balance their professional roles with other life pursuits. For per diem workers in East Chicago, rates generally range from $30 to $45 per hour, though factors like market demand can shift these values. Travel contracts, which demand flexibility, can yield earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. The type of employer also influences pay; positions within skilled nursing facilities or hospitals may offer different pay scales compared to those in educational settings or outpatient therapy clinics. Occupational therapy assistants often face decisions about trade-offs between higher pay without benefits versus lower rates with health insurance. For those negotiating hourly pay in East Chicago, focusing on specific regional demand, prior experience, and the impact of Medicare reimbursement changes can empower them to secure optimal compensation.
More salary data for East Chicago, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in East Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in East Chicago?
Are occupational therapy assistants in East Chicago paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in East Chicago?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in East Chicago?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in East Chicago. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for East Chicago 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