Healthcare Fort Wayne, IN Pop. 263,886

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana

The median occupational therapist salary in Fort Wayne, IN is $79,203 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 5.6% below the Indiana state average.

City Median
$79,203
vs State Avg
$-4,659
vs National
$-13,977
Cost of Living
85%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Fort Wayne: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Wayne offers a median occupational therapist salary of $79,203, which is $4,659 below the Indiana state average of $83,862. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Fort Wayne pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Wayne's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $79,203 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $93,180 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Wayne an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Fort Wayne spans from $52,700 at the 10th percentile to $108,384 at the 90th percentile — a $55,684 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,400, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,000. With a population of 263,886, Fort Wayne is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Wayne by Experience

In Fort Wayne, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $54,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,400
$-9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,050
$-13,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Wayne, IN

Percentile Fort Wayne
10th Percentile $52,700
25th Percentile $65,620
Median (50th) $79,203
75th Percentile $93,330
90th Percentile $108,384

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Indiana Cities

Carmel, IN
$97,839
Pop. 99,757
Indianapolis, IN
$86,657
Pop. 887,642
Evansville, IN
$78,271
Pop. 117,429
South Bend, IN
$77,339
Pop. 103,453

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Fort Wayne

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Fort Wayne and the surrounding Indiana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Wayne may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Fort Wayne

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Fort Wayne, IN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Wayne

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Fort Wayne, Indiana is $79,203 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $52,700 (10th percentile) to $108,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Fort Wayne? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,203, a occupational therapist in Fort Wayne earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Wayne compare to the Indiana state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Fort Wayne's median occupational therapist salary of $79,203 is 5.6% below the Indiana state average of $83,862. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fort Wayne, IN? ▼
Fort Wayne has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $79,203 in Fort Wayne has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Fort Wayne? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Fort Wayne require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.