Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Michigan City, IN: $44.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Michigan City, IN runs $44.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $91,510 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Michigan City's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.19 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $54,907 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Michigan City, Indiana, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $44.00, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This disparity presents challenges for those considering work arrangements. For part-time occupational therapists working three days a week, this hourly pay translates into a substantial, yet lesser, weekly income when compared to full-time roles. In typical settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms, the hourly pay can range from $32.97 for entry-level positions up to $55.60 for highly experienced therapists. Given that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary figures, they reflect the potential earning expectations for both permanent positions and those engaging in per-diem work.
About the Michigan City Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.97 | $263.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.81 | $294.50 |
| Median (P50) | $44.00 | $351.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.20 | $409.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.60 | $444.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Michigan City
Based on $44.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.00/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Michigan City, IN can expect to earn approximately $91,512 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $52,796. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Michigan City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Michigan City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,759.85 | $7,626 | $91,512 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,055.91 | $4,576 | $54,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $703.94 | $3,050 | $36,605 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Michigan City) | $44.00 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Michigan City, IN earn a median of $91,510 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.50% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.90% below the Indiana state average of $96,225.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.00/hr = $54,907/year (purchasing power: $60,140).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $91,512/year (purchasing power: $100,233).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Michigan City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $41.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Michigan City grew 18.1% from $36.15/hr (2019) to $42.69/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Michigan City 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Michigan City
For occupational therapists considering part-time work in Michigan City, earning $44.00 hourly while working three days a week can yield an annual income of approximately $34,320—far less than what full-time therapists can earn. The flexibility of per-diem contracts, where occupational therapists often charge $50-$75/hr, and specialized hand therapists can command $80-$110/hr, provides lucrative opportunities in the local market. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential with weekly pay ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Rates often vary significantly across employer types, with opportunities in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient hand therapy clinics, and early intervention programs offering different benefits. Occupational therapists may need to negotiate their hourly rates, balancing between higher pay without benefits and more stable salaries that include health insurance. Forging relationships with local agencies can also provide insights into the possibility of enhanced hourly pay and job availability tailored to the individual's qualifications, such as those with CHT credentials.
More salary data for Michigan City, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Michigan City in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Michigan City?
Are occupational therapists in Michigan City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Michigan City?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Michigan City?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Michigan City. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Michigan City 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov