Occupational Therapist Salary in Lawrence, IN: $92,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Lawrence, IN earns a median $92,055/year (≈ $44.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $100,827 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for occupational therapists in Lawrence, Indiana, is projected to be $92,055, which represents a competitive compensation level compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession spans from $69,871 at the 10th percentile to $120,629 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant earning potential for those at different stages of their careers. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, providing a reliable picture of the local occupational therapist pay in Lawrence, IN. As the job market continues to evolve, attaining a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) specialty may enhance earning potential, positioning therapists to command higher salaries within this growing health sector.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,871 | $33.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,688 | $37.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,055 | $44.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,775 | $51.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,629 | $57.99 |
Median Salary Position
10.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, IN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,758 (2026 est.). At $92,055, the local median is 10.97% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $92,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $96,191 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.97% less |
Occupational Therapists in Lawrence, IN earn a median of $92,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.97% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $96,191.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence 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.
Lawrence, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,827 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,629
2025 BLS Actual
$89,322
2026 Current Est.
$92,055
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,629 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,814 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,181 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,956 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,796 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,864 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,322 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,872 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $75,629 (2019) to $89,322 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,872 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,243 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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) | $69,871 – $77,688 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,688 – $92,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,055 – $107,775 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,775 – $120,629 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Lawrence
In Lawrence, the local job market supports 10 occupational therapists, underscoring a concentrated demand for skilled professionals in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, the economic environment is favorable, offering therapists a more advantageous take-home purchasing power relative to many national averages. The highest-paying employers in the region typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, offering competitive salaries influenced by their need for specialized care. Differences in pay can also stem from various factors, including the setting type (hospitals generally pay more than schools), the existence of board certification stipends, and contract variations. To maximize salary in this specific market, therapists may benefit from professional development, such as obtaining the CHT credential, and exploring opportunities in high-demand settings like outpatient hand therapy clinics.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Lawrence, IN in 2026?
Is Lawrence, IN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Lawrence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Lawrence?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Lawrence?
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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 $89,322 for occupational therapistsin the Lawrence 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 Lawrence 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