Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Indianapolis, IN: $33.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Indianapolis, IN runs $33.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,181 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Indianapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,507 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Indianapolis, the current occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $33.26, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74. This hourly rate provides a solid income for professionals in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For those working part-time, particularly three days a week, this translates to a commendable earning potential, while per-diem workers can benefit from flexible schedules that cater to their availability. The hourly earnings in Indianapolis range from $19.00 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $43.18 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting a diverse job market for occupational therapy assistants in the area. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, ensuring they accurately represent compensation trends for 2026.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.00 | $151.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.26 | $234.08 |
| Median (P50) | $33.26 | $266.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.55 | $308.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.18 | $345.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Indianapolis
Based on $33.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.26/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Indianapolis, IN can expect to earn approximately $69,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,911. With a cost-of-living index of 95.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Indianapolis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Indianapolis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,330.36 | $5,765 | $69,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $798.22 | $3,459 | $41,507 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $532.14 | $2,306 | $27,672 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Indianapolis) | $33.26 |
| 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 Indianapolis, IN earn a median of $69,181 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.93% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% below the Indiana state average of $69,669.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.26/hr = $41,507/year (purchasing power: $43,374).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,179/year (purchasing power: $72,290).
CoL index: 95.696 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Indianapolis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Indianapolis grew 28.0% from $25.28/hr (2019) to $32.35/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.19/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 Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week can expect to earn approximately $41,693 annually, creating a viable income for those balancing other commitments. In contrast, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Indianapolis ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with some travel contracts averaging between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly for COTAs. The hourly rates across various employers can vary significantly; while skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates due to budget constraints post-2022 reimbursement cuts, outpatient clinics and home health agencies may provide more competitive pay. Additionally, the choice between accepting lower hourly rates with benefits or higher pay without such offerings presents a crucial decision for many. For those negotiating their pay, it’s advisable to research comparable positions within Indianapolis and to clearly articulate the value of their skills alongside the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on future earning potentials.
More salary data for Indianapolis, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Indianapolis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Indianapolis?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Indianapolis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Indianapolis?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Indianapolis?
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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 Indianapolis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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