Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Algonquin, IL: $29.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Algonquin, IL runs $29.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Algonquin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Algonquin, Illinois, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median of $29.61, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This disparity highlights the unique economic conditions within the local job market, which can significantly impact both full-time and part-time employment. For those seeking flexibility working part-time—about three days a week—this hourly rate translates into substantial take-home pay, especially across various settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or school therapy rooms. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Algonquin can expect to earn around $20.53 hourly, while top earners may bring in $36.47 per hour, showing a clear income trajectory as professionals gain experience and expertise.
About the Algonquin 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) | $20.53 | $164.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.44 | $211.54 |
| Median (P50) | $29.61 | $236.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.55 | $260.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Algonquin
Based on $29.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Algonquin, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,531. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Algonquin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Algonquin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.37 | $5,132 | $61,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.62 | $3,079 | $36,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.75 | $2,053 | $24,635 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Algonquin) | $29.61 |
| 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 Algonquin, IL earn a median of $61,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $63,503.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.61/hr = $36,952/year (purchasing power: $38,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,587/year (purchasing power: $63,427).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Algonquin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Algonquin grew 17.5% from $24.50/hr (2019) to $28.80/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.44/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 Algonquin 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 Algonquin
Considering part-time opportunities, a 24-hour workweek affords occupational therapy assistants the potential for earnings around $37,000 annually, distinctly less than what a full-time counterpart could achieve. In addition, the per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Algonquin often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour for agency or locum tenens assignments, with travel contracts fetching between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, a lucrative option although marred by the impact of the 15% Medicare cut initiated in 2022. Employers of COTAs, including skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs, offer varied hourly rates that accommodate different benefit packages. Some opt for lower-paying roles with health insurance while others prefer higher hourly compensation without the added benefits. Understanding this trade-off is crucial, as it can influence career decisions, and knowing how to negotiate effectively can lead to improved pay rates in Algonquin's competitive market.
More salary data for Algonquin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Algonquin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Algonquin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Algonquin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Algonquin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Algonquin?
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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 Algonquin. 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 Algonquin 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