Occupational Therapist Salary in Kokomo, IN: $95,145 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Kokomo, IN earns a median $95,145/year (≈ $45.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Kokomo's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $106,132 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Indiana state average.
Official BLS data · View source

Occupational therapists in Kokomo, IN, can expect a median annual salary of $95,145 in 2026, reflecting the value the community places on this critical profession. Salaries range from $65,258 at the 10th percentile to as much as $126,032 at the 90th percentile, demonstrating the diverse opportunities available based on experience and specialization. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, obtaining a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can significantly enhance salary prospects, as this specialty is often associated with higher compensation. With a growing job market for occupational therapists in Kokomo, aspiring professionals have a robust foundation to build their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,258 | $31.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,841 | $38.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $95,145 | $45.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $101,597 | $48.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $126,032 | $60.59 |
Median Salary Position
7.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kokomo
In Kokomo, IN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,774 (2026 est.). At $95,145, the local median is 7.98% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Kokomo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kokomo Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Kokomo median: $95,145/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kokomo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $96,203 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -7.98% less |
Occupational Therapists in Kokomo, IN earn a median of $95,145 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.98% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% below the Indiana state average of $96,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kokomo has a cost of living 10.35% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kokomo, IN has a cost-of-living index of 89.648 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $95,145 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,132 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.55% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,168
2025 BLS Actual
$92,320
2026 Current Est.
$95,145
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kokomo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,168 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,440 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $89,310 | Actual |
| 2024 | $97,350 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,320 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $95,145 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $98,056 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kokomo metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $78,168 (2019) to $92,320 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $98,056 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,888 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kokomo 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) | $65,258 – $79,841 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,841 – $95,145 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $95,145 – $101,597 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $101,597 – $126,032 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Kokomo
Exploring the job market dynamics, Kokomo currently employs around 40 occupational therapists, offering various opportunities across different settings. The cost of living index stands at 89.648, which is below the national average, positively impacting the purchasing power of therapists working in this region. Facilities such as skilled nursing homes and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers tend to offer the highest wages, while outpatient therapy clinics and school districts generally pay less. Factors influencing the salary range include the setting of employment, additional certifications like the CHT, and productivity expectations. Occupational therapists can enhance their salaries by seeking positions in higher-paying sectors or obtaining specialized certifications. Understanding these local nuances can provide significant advantages for professionals navigating their career paths in Kokomo, IN.
More salary data for Kokomo, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Kokomo, IN in 2026?
Is Kokomo, IN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Kokomo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Kokomo?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Kokomo?
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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 $92,320 for occupational therapistsin the Kokomo 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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