Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Valparaiso, IN: $68,717 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Valparaiso, IN earns a median $68,717/year (≈ $33.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Valparaiso's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $75,265 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For occupational therapy assistants in Valparaiso, Indiana, the projected median annual salary in 2026 is $68,717, reflecting a slight decrease of 7.55% compared to the national median of $74,332. This salary range offers flexibility, with entry-level positions starting at around $49,504, while experienced practitioners can earn up to $80,142 according to local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data. This pay structure illustrates the challenges faced in different work settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, schools, and hospitals, especially in light of recent Medicare reimbursement cuts. The current economic climate underlines the necessity for aspiring assistants to understand their local market dynamics, balancing the potential for growth in various environments.
About the Valparaiso Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,504 | $23.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,544 | $28.15 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,717 | $33.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,798 | $35.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,142 | $38.53 |
Median Salary Position
7.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Valparaiso
In Valparaiso, IN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,638 (2026 est.). At $68,717, the local median is 7.55% below the national median of $74,332.
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How Valparaiso Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Valparaiso median: $68,717/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Valparaiso Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $69,693 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -7.55% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $68,717 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $69,693.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Valparaiso has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Valparaiso, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $68,717 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,265 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,864
2025 BLS Actual
$66,839
2026 Current Est.
$68,717
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,864 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,186 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,397 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,949 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,439 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,839 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,717 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,648 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Valparaiso metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $56,864 (2019) to $66,839 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,648 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,784 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Valparaiso 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) | $49,504 – $58,544 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,544 – $68,717 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,717 – $72,798 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,798 – $80,142 |
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 Valparaiso
Analyzing the local job market reveals that there are currently nine occupational therapy assistants employed in Valparaiso, indicating a niche but critical workforce. The cost-of-living index stands at 91.3, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home earnings may stretch further in this city compared to more expensive regions. Among the employers in Valparaiso, hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings typically offer the highest compensation, while salaries in schools and skilled nursing facilities have been adversely affected by the 15% Medicare cut that began in 2022. This discrepancy in pay is influenced by productivity expectations and the nature of contracts. To maximize earnings within the Valparaiso market, COTAs should consider pursuing roles in more favorable settings, exploring year-round contracts, or seeking weekend or PRN opportunities that often come with a premium. Such strategies can effectively enhance overall occupational therapy assistant pay in Valparaiso, IN.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $66,839 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Valparaiso 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
Salary data for Valparaiso 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