Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Shelbyville, IN: $31.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Shelbyville, IN runs $31.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,352 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Shelbyville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,814 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelbyville, Indiana, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.90 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74. This median reflects what professionals in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school therapy environments, and even home health visits, can expect to earn. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Shelbyville may start at around $23.66 per hour, while top earners can command as much as $35.83 per hour. For those considering part-time work—perhaps three days a week—this hourly rate translates into a manageable income that can fit into a flexible lifestyle, alongside opportunities for per-diem roles where pay can vary based on demand and specific contract terms.
About the Shelbyville 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) | $23.66 | $189.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.46 | $219.68 |
| Median (P50) | $31.90 | $255.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.14 | $265.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.83 | $286.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Shelbyville
Based on $31.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.90/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Shelbyville, IN can expect to earn approximately $66,356 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,282. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Shelbyville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Shelbyville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,276.08 | $5,530 | $66,356 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $765.65 | $3,318 | $39,814 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $510.43 | $2,212 | $26,542 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Shelbyville) | $31.90 |
| 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 Shelbyville, IN earn a median of $66,352 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.74% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the Indiana state average of $69,697.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.90/hr = $39,814/year (purchasing power: $43,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,356/year (purchasing power: $72,679).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.76/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelbyville grew 17.5% from $26.40/hr (2019) to $31.03/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.80/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 Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville
Exploring the financial landscape for part-time occupational therapy assistants reveals that those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, may take home approximately $39,752 annually compared to a full-time occupational therapy assistant who can earn significantly more. Per-diem or agency occupational therapy assistants can expect to see pay rates ranging from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly compensations between $1,100 and $1,700. However, recent changes in reimbursement policies, such as the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services that took effect in 2022, have influenced earnings in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. In Shelbyville, hourly rates can differ widely across employment types; for example, school district contracts may offer different compensation compared to home health agencies. While some occupational therapy assistants might accept lower hourly wages for benefits such as health insurance, others may prioritize higher pay without the associated benefits. Negotiating an hourly rate is crucial in this market; understanding local demand and articulating one's value can lead to better compensation for occupational therapy assistant roles in Shelbyville.
More salary data for Shelbyville, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Shelbyville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Shelbyville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Shelbyville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Shelbyville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Shelbyville?
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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 Shelbyville. 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 Shelbyville 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