South Bend vs Zionsville: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between South Bend, IN and Zionsville, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | South Bend, IN | Zionsville, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,434 | $66,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.49 | $32.18▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,732 | $49,011▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,123 | $57,450▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $72,604 | $72,813▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,133 | $80,943▲ |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Zionsville, IN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to South Bend.
The salary gap between South Bend and Zionsville is $3,494 (5.51%). Zionsville's median is -9.96% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in South Bend spans $30,401,Zionsville spans $31,932. Zionsville 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, Zionsville ($73,306 effective) pays 7.31% 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 South Bend if…
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Zionsville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,943)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,306)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in South Bend grew 7.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 12.5% growth in Zionsville over the same period.
South Bend, IN
$57,320 (2020) → $61,700 (2025)
Zionsville, IN
$57,891 (2024) → $65,099 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
South Bend, IN
Zionsville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: South Bend or Zionsville?
What is the hourly rate difference between South Bend and Zionsville?
Should I relocate from South Bend to Zionsville as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in South Bend vs Zionsville?
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