Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Elkhart, IN: $70,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Elkhart, IN earns a median $70,147/year (≈ $33.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Elkhart's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $77,661 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% above the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Elkhart, Indiana, can expect a median annual salary of $70,147, which is slightly lower than the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals spans from $49,822 at the 10th percentile to $80,408 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience, workplace setting, and job demands. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) occupational employment statistics, highlights the impact that productivity expectations, including the number of patient visits a day, have on overall compensation. Given Elkhart’s unique employment landscape, understanding these factors is essential for recent graduates and COTAs looking to maximize their earnings in this vibrant market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,822 | $23.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,346 | $24.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,147 | $33.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,830 | $36.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,408 | $38.66 |
Median Salary Position
5.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elkhart
In Elkhart, IN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,586 (2026 est.). At $70,147, the local median is 5.63% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Elkhart: You'd be above the median
How Elkhart Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Elkhart median: $70,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elkhart Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $69,660 | +0.70% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.63% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elkhart, IN earn a median of $70,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.63% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% above the Indiana state average of $69,660.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elkhart has a cost of living 9.67% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elkhart, IN has a cost-of-living index of 90.325 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,661 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.71% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,047
2025 BLS Actual
$68,230
2026 Current Est.
$70,147
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elkhart (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,357 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elkhart metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,047 (2019) to $68,230 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,071 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elkhart 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $49,822 – $50,346 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,346 – $70,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,147 – $76,830 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,830 – $80,408 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Elkhart
As of 2026, there are approximately 30 occupational therapy assistants employed in the Elkhart area, indicating a secure local job market for those in the field. The cost of living index at 90.325 suggests that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for COTAs. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers typically offer the highest wages, though outpatient clinics and school districts provide competitive pay structures as well. The pay scale varies significantly due to factors such as work setting, productivity expectations, and contract types, with weekend shifts often commanding a premium. In light of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut for OTA services implemented in 2022, aspiring professionals should consider strategies like securing contracts in higher-paying settings or pursuing additional certifications to improve their marketability and earning potential in Elkhart, IN.
More salary data for Elkhart, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Elkhart, IN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Elkhart?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Elkhart?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,230 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Elkhart metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-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