Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Moline, IL: $46,450 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,450 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,837 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,359) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates looking to join the workforce as occupational therapy assistants in Moline, IL, the starting occupational therapy assistant salary is projected to begin at around $46,450 annually in 2026. This entry-level pay is notably lower than the overall median salary in the region, which stands at $64,359. However, there is a clear growth trajectory as new COTAs can expect their salaries to rise to approximately $54,893 within a few years. While embarking on this career path might not yield the most lucrative starting pay, Moline presents opportunities for growth in an expanding market, supported by a projected annual growth rate of 2.81%. This means that recent graduates can reasonably anticipate a steady career progression over their initial 3-5 years of work.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Moline, IL typically start between $46,450 and $54,893 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $28,709 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,359 — 13.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Illinois of $24,000 represents just 51.67% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($46,450/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $46,450 to $54,893, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Moline is $28,709 ( 61.81%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,450, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,159.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,616
2025 BLS Actual
$45,180
2026 Current Est.
$46,450
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,616 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,074 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,065 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,706 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,437 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,180 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,450 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,755 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,616 in 2019 to $45,180 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,755. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Moline
In Moline, several key employers typically hire new graduates in this field. Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are among the most active recruiters, offering substantial training opportunities for freshly credentialed COTAs. School districts also present a viable option, especially for those interested in summer schedules that allow for time off. On the other hand, outpatient clinics often prefer experience but may still onboard new COTAs, particularly in pediatric or hand-therapy settings. To boost their entry-level salaries, new grads should focus on completing an accredited OTA program, passing the NBCOT exam, and obtaining state licensure. Credentials through AOTA offering advanced practice areas can further enhance earning potential. Given the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services that began in 2022, the landscape in SNF and outpatient settings has shifted, compressing pay scales. Consequently, as COTAs work under the supervision of occupational therapists, a practical strategy for the first few years includes nurturing relationships with seasoned professionals while seeking to expand skills and gaining licensure to optimize growth in compensation.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Moline in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapy assistant salaries grow in Moline?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Moline?
What do new occupational therapy assistants make right out of school in Moline?
How do I become a occupational therapy assistant in Illinois?
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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
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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