Evansville vs South Bend: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Evansville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Evansville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $68,060▲ | $63,434 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.72▲ | $30.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,821▲ | $48,732 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,961▲ | $49,123 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,010▲ | $72,604 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,760▲ | $79,133 |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Evansville, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between Evansville and South Bend is $4,626 (7.29%). Evansville's median is -8.44% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Evansville spans $25,939,South Bend spans $30,401. South Bend has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Evansville ($74,360 effective) pays 8.85% more than South Bend ($68,313 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Evansville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($68,060/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,760)
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,360)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Evansville grew 11.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.6% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Evansville, IN
$59,540 (2019) → $66,200 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$57,320 (2020) → $61,700 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Evansville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Evansville or South Bend?
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Related Comparisons
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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