Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Richmond, IN: $32.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Richmond, IN runs $32.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,793 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Richmond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,673 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Richmond, Indiana, occupational therapy assistants earn a median hourly rate of $32.59, which is slightly below the national median of $35.74. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a steady income that provides flexibility in scheduling, making it attractive for those balancing other commitments or looking to enter the workforce without a full-time commitment. The hourly range for these positions varies significantly, with entry-level roles starting around $22.74, while more experienced practitioners can reach up to $38.30 per hour. This range allows for ample opportunities across different settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school environments, and even home health visits, demonstrating how occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Richmond caters to various professional needs and lifestyles.
About the Richmond 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) | $22.74 | $181.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.21 | $233.67 |
| Median (P50) | $32.59 | $260.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.71 | $277.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.30 | $306.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richmond
Based on $32.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richmond, IN can expect to earn approximately $67,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,109. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richmond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richmond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,303.63 | $5,649 | $67,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $782.18 | $3,389 | $40,673 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.45 | $2,260 | $27,116 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Richmond) | $32.59 |
| 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 Richmond, IN earn a median of $67,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $69,674.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.59/hr = $40,673/year (purchasing power: $44,549).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,789/year (purchasing power: $74,248).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Richmond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Richmond grew 17.5% from $26.97/hr (2019) to $31.70/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.51/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 Richmond 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 Richmond
Part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours weekly would take home significantly less than their full-time counterparts, with a projected annual earning potential that reflects their reduced hours. Many per diem occupational therapy assistants in Richmond can anticipate billing between $30 and $45 per hour, depending on the facility type and job setting. For instance, travel contracts offering COTA positions can net results ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 weekly but may involve a lack of benefits. Hourly variations also exist based on the employer type; those in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals may see different compensation levels compared to educational environments. The choice between lower hourly rates with benefits versus higher pay without them is a significant consideration for COTAs. Moreover, negotiating hourly pay in Richmond requires understanding the current job market and employers' budgetary constraints, especially in light of recent reimbursement cuts affecting the industry.
More salary data for Richmond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Richmond in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Richmond?
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How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Richmond?
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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 Richmond. 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 Richmond 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