Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Michigan City, IN: $31.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Michigan City, IN runs $31.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,253 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Michigan City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Michigan City, Indiana, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants in 2026 is $31.85, which falls below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity reflects the local economy and can affect both full-time professionals and part-time or per-diem workers who have different earning potentials. Part-time practitioners working three days a week can expect to earn a stable income while still managing their time and commitments outside of work. Occupational therapy assistants in Michigan City can anticipate hourly wages ranging from $23.79 at the entry level to as high as $37.99 for top earners, with settings varying from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient clinics and home health visits, all of which require skilled care under OT supervision.
About the Michigan City 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) | $23.79 | $190.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.67 | $221.33 |
| Median (P50) | $31.85 | $254.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.93 | $279.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.99 | $303.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Michigan City
Based on $31.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.85/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Michigan City, IN can expect to earn approximately $66,249 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,221. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Michigan City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Michigan City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.02 | $5,521 | $66,249 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.41 | $3,312 | $39,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.61 | $2,208 | $26,500 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Michigan City) | $31.85 |
| 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 Michigan City, IN earn a median of $66,253 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.87% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.90% below the Indiana state average of $69,666.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.85/hr = $39,749/year (purchasing power: $43,537).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,249/year (purchasing power: $72,562).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Michigan City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Michigan City grew 17.5% from $26.36/hr (2019) to $30.98/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.75/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 Michigan City 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 Michigan City
Adopting a per diem approach can provide flexibility but also comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities for occupational therapy assistants, particularly in Michigan City. Working part-time for 24 hours a week could yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, especially when considering the median annual earnings from the hourly pay. While per diem occupational therapy assistants typically bill between $30 and $45 per hour depending on the agency or facility, contract positions may offer higher compensation, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Differences in pay across various employment settings often reflect the financial stability and resources of institutions, with some facilities providing competitive benefits that could make a lower hourly wage more appealing. Professionals should consider negotiating for higher hourly rates while weighing the benefits that come with certain positions, particularly in light of reimbursement cuts affecting the occupational therapy field since 2022. Understanding the specific demands and compensation structures of each setting can guide COTAs in optimizing their earnings, whether they are established professionals or recent graduates looking to start their careers.
More salary data for Michigan City, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Michigan City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Michigan City?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Michigan City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Michigan City?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Michigan City?
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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 Michigan City. 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 Michigan City 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