Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Muncie, IN: $33.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Muncie, IN runs $33.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,658 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Muncie's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,393 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Muncie, Indiana, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $33.97, which is slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate provides a competitive wage for those in the field, especially for part-time professionals working about three days a week or those engaging in per-diem roles. These COTAs commonly operate in varied settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and even providing home health visits. With a pay range extending from $24.29 for entry-level positions to $41.36 for highly experienced therapists, occupational therapy assistants in Muncie have significant opportunities for growth in their hourly earnings over time.
About the Muncie 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) | $24.29 | $194.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.82 | $230.54 |
| Median (P50) | $33.97 | $271.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.85 | $294.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.36 | $330.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Muncie
Based on $33.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.97/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Muncie, IN can expect to earn approximately $70,654 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,762. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Muncie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Muncie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,358.74 | $5,888 | $70,654 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.24 | $3,533 | $42,393 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.49 | $2,355 | $28,262 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Muncie) | $33.97 |
| 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 Muncie, IN earn a median of $70,658 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.94% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the Indiana state average of $69,683.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.97/hr = $42,393/year (purchasing power: $46,432).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,654/year (purchasing power: $77,387).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Muncie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Muncie grew 17.5% from $28.11/hr (2019) to $33.04/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.92/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 Muncie 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 Muncie
Part-time occupational therapy assistants, who typically work 24 hours a week, can anticipate bringing home a comfortable income, although it will vary compared to full-time wages. For instance, those choosing per-diem or agency roles may find their earnings significantly influenced by the employer type; while some per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Muncie can range from $30 to $45 per hour, travel contracts can offer weekly pays between $1,100 and $1,700. However, following the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts, agencies in skilled nursing facilities have scaled back on premium pay, prompting COTAs to weigh the advantages of securing health benefits versus accepting higher hourly rates without those perks. Negotiating for better pay and conditions can be essential for occupational therapy assistants in Muncie to ensure that their compensation reflects the skills they bring, especially in light of their clinical responsibilities and adherence to state and Medicare regulations.
More salary data for Muncie, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Muncie in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Muncie?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Muncie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Muncie?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Muncie?
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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 Muncie. 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 Muncie 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