OT Assistant Salary

Chicago vs Glenview: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Glenview, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Chicago, IL
$69,746
$33.53/hr
Glenview, IL
$61,001
$29.33/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricChicago, ILGlenview, IL
Median Salary$69,746$61,001
Hourly Rate$33.53$29.33
Entry Level (P10)$50,356$46,602
25th Percentile$63,465$53,742
75th Percentile$76,336$64,053
Top Earner (P90)$84,880$76,124
Total Employed1,71012
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Chicago ($69,746) and Glenview ($61,001) occupational therapy assistant salaries.ChicagoGlenviewMedian Salary$69,746$61,001Entry Level (P10)$50,356$46,602Top Earner (P90)$84,880$76,124US Median $74,332

Verdict

Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Glenview.

The salary gap between Chicago and Glenview is $8,745 (14.34%). Chicago's median is -6.17% compared to the US national median of $74,332.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $34,524,Glenview spans $29,522. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Chicago
P10 (Entry)$50,356
P25$63,465
Median$69,746
P75$76,336
P90 (Top)$84,880
Glenview
P10 (Entry)$46,602
P25$53,742
Median$61,001
P75$64,053
P90 (Top)$76,124

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($67,326 effective) pays 7.17% more than Glenview ($62,823 effective).

Chicago
Nominal: $69,746
CoL Index: 103.595
Adjusted: $67,326
Glenview
Nominal: $61,001
CoL Index: 97.1
Adjusted: $62,823

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Chicago if…

  • Higher median salary ($69,746/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($84,880)
  • Larger job market (1,710 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,326)
  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Choose Glenview if…

  • You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Chicago grew 2.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.5% growth in Glenview over the same period.

Chicago, IL

+2.8%

$66,000 (2019) → $67,840 (2025)

Glenview, IL

+-6.5%

$63,455 (2024) → $59,334 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Chicago or Glenview?

Chicago has a higher median occupational therapy assistant salary at $69,746/year, compared to Glenview at $61,001/year — a difference of $8,745 (14.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Glenview?

Chicago occupational therapy assistants earn $33.53/hr while Glenview hygienists earn $29.33/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Chicago to Glenview as a occupational therapy assistant?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Chicago and Glenview. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Chicago = $67,326, Glenview = $62,823), job availability (1,710 vs 12 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Chicago vs Glenview?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapy assistants earn $50,356 in Chicago and $46,602 in Glenview. The Chicago area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

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.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, COTA/LData verified by Samuel Chen, OTR/L

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