Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fishers, IN: $33.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fishers, IN runs $33.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,500 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fishers's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,700 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fishers, Indiana, the hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is projected to be $33.41 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate creates accessible earning potential for both part-time and per-diem workers, allowing those in various settings—such as skilled nursing facilities, rehabilitation hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits—to capitalize on flexible schedules. With an hourly range spanning from $23.00 for entry-level positions to $42.81 for top earners, the compensation in Fishers offers a solid foundation for occupational therapy assistants seeking their place in the workforce. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, so they reflect a broad spectrum of pay that accommodates varying experience levels and responsibilities.
About the Fishers 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) | $23.00 | $183.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.67 | $221.33 |
| Median (P50) | $33.41 | $267.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.62 | $284.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.81 | $342.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fishers
Based on $33.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.41/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fishers, IN can expect to earn approximately $69,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,096. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fishers.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fishers
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,336.53 | $5,792 | $69,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $801.92 | $3,475 | $41,700 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $534.61 | $2,317 | $27,800 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fishers) | $33.41 |
| 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 Fishers, IN earn a median of $69,500 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.50% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% below the Indiana state average of $69,639.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.41/hr = $41,700/year (purchasing power: $45,673).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,500/year (purchasing power: $76,122).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.50/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fishers (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.50/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.35/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fishers grew 17.5% from $27.65/hr (2019) to $32.50/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.35/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 Fishers 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 Fishers
Considering the part-time scenario in Fishers, a typical occupational therapy assistant working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, could expect to take home around $41,462 annually, considerably less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants often find themselves earning between $30 and $45 per hour; however, per diem work, particularly in agency settings, can lead to inconsistent income streams. Travel contracts may offer more lucrative options, with COTAs often making between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, but the decline in premium pay post-2022 has affected many skilled nursing facilities. Work environments greatly influence pay, as compensation can vary between settings such as school districts and home health agencies. It's essential for COTAs to balance the desire for higher wages against benefits like health insurance when negotiating their compensation. Those looking for tips specific to hourly positions in Fishers should consider emphasizing their unique qualifications while remaining flexible in their salary discussions.
More salary data for Fishers, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fishers in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Fishers?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Fishers paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Fishers?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Fishers?
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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 Fishers. 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 Fishers 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