Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Orland Park, IL: $45,989 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Orland Park, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $45,989 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Orland Park's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $47,363 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($64,361) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those pursuing an entry level position as an occupational therapy assistant in Orland Park, Illinois, the starting salary can be expected to hover around $45,989 in 2026. While this starting figure is significantly lower than the city median of $64,361, new graduates should view it as a stepping stone to higher earnings. Within the first few years, it’s realistic to anticipate movement toward the $54,566 salary mark with additional experience and responsibilities. As Orland Park remains a competitive market, especially with a projected growth rate of 2.81%, new COTAs entering the field should feel optimistic about salary advancements and career development opportunities in both rehabilitation settings and outpatient clinics.
About the Orland Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Orland Park
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 Orland Park
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Orland Park, IL typically start between $45,989 and $54,566 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $32,332 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $64,361 — 13.41% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Illinois of $24,000 represents just 52.19% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($45,989/year) in Orland Park. 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 Orland Park
- 1Research the Orland Park market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $45,989 to $54,566, 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 Orland Park, 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 Orland Park for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Orland Park'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 Orland Park is $32,332 ( 70.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $45,989, experienced hygienists can earn up to $78,321.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,253
2025 BLS Actual
$44,732
2026 Current Est.
$45,989
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Orland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,513 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,666 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,648 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,230 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,732 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,989 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,281 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Orland Park, IL grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,253 in 2019 to $44,732 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,281. New graduates entering the Orland Park job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Orland Park 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 Orland Park
In Orland Park, various employers actively seek newly graduated occupational therapy assistants, particularly in skilled nursing facilities where demand is high for fresh talent. School districts often offer attractive schedules that allow new graduates to enjoy their summers off, making these positions appealing for those looking for work-life balance. Meanwhile, outpatient clinics may favor more experienced COTAs but are open to training new hires in specific areas such as pediatric care or hand therapy. To increase entry level occupational therapy assistant pay in IL, obtaining credentials like an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, passing the NBCOT national exam for the COTA credential, and securing state licensure is essential. Understanding the impact of the 15% cut in Medicare Part B for OTA-provided services is also crucial, as it shapes salary growth expectations in the initial years. New graduates should aim for continual professional development and consider AOTA's advanced practice certifications to enhance their marketability and future earning potential.
More salary data for Orland Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Orland Park in 2026?
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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 Orland Park. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Orland Park 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