Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Bartlett, IL: $29.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Bartlett, IL runs $29.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Bartlett's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.85 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,389 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Bartlett, IL, earn a median hourly pay of $29.96 in 2026, which is notably below the national average of $35.74. This disparity may affect part-time workers who take positions in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Those working part-time, for instance, on a three-day-a-week schedule, can anticipate a steady income due to this hourly rate, but it may not match what their peers earn in other regions. The hourly pay range for these professionals varies significantly, starting at $21.47 for entry-level positions and going up to $34.66 for more experienced occupational therapy assistants. Given the cost of living index of 97.1 in Bartlett, aspiring COTAs, and those transitioning to full-time roles might find that their earnings structure, influenced by local demand and competition, sets the stage for their career choices.
About the Bartlett 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) | $21.47 | $171.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.34 | $202.74 |
| Median (P50) | $29.96 | $239.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.21 | $257.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.66 | $277.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bartlett
Based on $29.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.96/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bartlett, IL can expect to earn approximately $62,314 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,951. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bartlett.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bartlett
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.35 | $5,193 | $62,314 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.01 | $3,116 | $37,389 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.34 | $2,077 | $24,926 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Bartlett) | $29.96 |
| 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 Bartlett, IL earn a median of $62,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $63,454.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.96/hr = $37,389/year (purchasing power: $38,505).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,314/year (purchasing power: $64,175).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bartlett grew 17.5% from $24.79/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.80/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 Bartlett 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 Bartlett
When considering part-time employment, an occupational therapy assistant working a 24-hour week might bring home an annual income in line with local hourly rates. Per diem opportunities often yield variable earnings, with per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Bartlett typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour. Travel contracts can scavenge benefits, billing up to $1,700 weekly, but often come with a lack of consistent employment. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics may offer different pay structures influenced by external funding cuts, such as the 15% Medicare reduction in OTA reimbursements experienced since 2022. This reality compels some COTAs to opt for lower hourly wages that come with benefits over higher pay without insurance. Negotiation strategies are crucial in this environment; prospective COTAs should be prepared to discuss not only hourly rates but also the full package, including benefits, emphasizing their expertise and the value they bring to practice patterns within Bartlett, IL.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Bartlett in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Bartlett?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Bartlett paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Bartlett?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Bartlett?
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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 Bartlett. 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 Bartlett 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