Champaign vs Park Ridge: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Champaign, IL and Park Ridge, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Park Ridge, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,550▲ | $61,031 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.07▲ | $29.34 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,486 | $46,674▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,703 | $53,805▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $68,256▲ | $64,118 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,284▲ | $74,058 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Champaign, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Park Ridge.
The salary gap between Champaign and Park Ridge is $1,519 (2.49%). Champaign's median is -15.85% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $35,798,Park Ridge spans $27,384. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($67,473 effective) pays 7.35% more than Park Ridge ($62,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,550/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,284)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,473)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Park Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Champaign grew -6.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Park Ridge over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$64,840 (2019) → $60,840 (2025)
Park Ridge, IL
$63,486 (2024) → $59,363 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Park Ridge, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Champaign or Park Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Park Ridge?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Park Ridge as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Champaign vs Park Ridge?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov