Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Addison, IL: $30.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Addison, IL runs $30.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,750 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Addison's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,645 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Addison, Illinois, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $30.16 in 2026, which is distinctly below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity may influence those working part-time, such as three days a week, or on a per-diem basis at various settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, and in-home therapy casework. For those entering the field, the hourly range spans from $21.97 for entry-level COTAs to $36.38 for experienced professionals, highlighting the potential for growth within the profession as practitioners gain experience. These figures, derived from projected annual salaries, offer a foundational understanding of what to expect as one navigates occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Addison, IL.
About the Addison Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.97 | $175.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.78 | $206.28 |
| Median (P50) | $30.16 | $241.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.69 | $261.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.38 | $291.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Addison
Based on $30.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.16/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Addison, IL can expect to earn approximately $62,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,197. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Addison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Addison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.58 | $5,229 | $62,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.95 | $3,137 | $37,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.63 | $2,091 | $25,097 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Addison) | $30.16 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Addison, IL earn a median of $62,750 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.58% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $63,448.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.16/hr = $37,645/year (purchasing power: $38,770).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,742/year (purchasing power: $64,616).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Addison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Addison grew 17.5% from $24.96/hr (2019) to $29.34/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.01/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Addison 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Addison
Beyond the baseline pay, part-time occupational therapy assistants working 24 hours a week could expect a yearly take-home that reflects their flexibility. Many COTAs may choose per-diem opportunities, billing between $30-$45 hourly, while travel contracts often range from $1,100-$1,700 weekly, allowing for variation in income based on demand and experience. It's critical to note that hourly rates may fluctuate depending on the type of employer; for instance, skilled nursing facilities might offer lower rates due to the Medicare reimbursement cut affecting OTA services. Some professionals accept lower hourly rates for positions that provide benefits like healthcare insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without the added security. For those in Addison, negotiating effectively for the hourly rate can significantly impact overall satisfaction. Focusing on the specifics of your role, the local demand, and industry standard can position you favorably in discussions.
More salary data for Addison, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Addison in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Addison?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Addison paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Addison?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Addison?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Addison. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Addison 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