Chicago vs Orland Park: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Chicago, IL and Orland Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Orland Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $69,746▲ | $64,361 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.53▲ | $30.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,356▲ | $45,989 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,465▲ | $54,566 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,336▲ | $69,792 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $84,880▲ | $78,321 |
| Total Employed | 1,710▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Orland Park.
The salary gap between Chicago and Orland Park is $5,385 (8.37%). 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,Orland Park spans $32,332. Chicago 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, Chicago ($67,326 effective) pays 1.57% more than Orland Park ($66,283 effective).
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 Orland Park 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 Orland Park over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$66,000 (2019) → $67,840 (2025)
Orland Park, IL
$66,950 (2024) → $62,602 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Orland Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Chicago or Orland Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Orland Park?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Orland Park as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Chicago vs Orland Park?
Related Comparisons
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