Occupational Therapist Salary in Gary, IN: $96,346 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Gary, IN earns a median $96,346/year (≈ $46.32/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Gary's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $105,527 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Gary, Indiana, can anticipate a median annual salary of $96,346. This figure reflects local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors. The salary range for therapists in Gary spans from $67,098 for the lowest 10% (P10) to $131,235 for the top 10% (P90), indicating a diverse landscape of opportunities within the field. Professionals with specialty credentials, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), frequently command higher salaries, further enhancing their earning potential in this market. As employment opportunities grow, those entering the field can find promising prospects ahead.
About the Gary Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,098 | $32.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,203 | $37.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $96,346 | $46.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,692 | $52.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $131,235 | $63.09 |
Median Salary Position
6.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gary
In Gary, IN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $64,137 (2026 est.). At $96,346, the local median is 6.82% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gary Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Gary median: $96,346/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $96,249 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -6.82% less |
Occupational Therapists in Gary, IN earn a median of $96,346 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $96,249.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gary 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.
Gary, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $96,346 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $105,527 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$79,154
2025 BLS Actual
$93,485
2026 Current Est.
$96,346
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $79,154 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,394 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,732 | Actual |
| 2022 | $86,823 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,795 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,447 | Actual |
| 2025 | $93,485 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $96,346 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $99,294 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gary metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $79,154 (2019) to $93,485 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $99,294 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,140 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gary 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $67,098 – $77,203 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,203 – $96,346 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $96,346 – $109,692 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,692 – $131,235 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Gary
The job market for occupational therapists in Gary is relatively stable, with 14 professionals currently employed in the area. With a cost of living index of 91.3, Gary offers a slightly lower living expense compared to the national average, enhancing take-home pay in practical terms for those in the profession. Higher-paying positions tend to be found in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and skilled nursing facilities, as these settings often offer greater compensation than school district contracts or outpatient programs. Variability in salaries can be attributed to several factors, including the specific setting of employment, the presence of additional board certifications, and varying productivity expectations, especially in light of recent Medicare cuts impacting skilled nursing facilities. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapist pay in Gary, pursuing specialty certifications like the CHT or seeking positions in high-demand rehabilitation services may yield beneficial returns.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Gary, IN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Gary?
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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
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 $93,485 for occupational therapistsin the Gary metropolitan area. A 3.06% 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 Gary 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