Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Crystal Lake, IL: $29.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Crystal Lake, IL runs $29.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Crystal Lake's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,272 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Crystal Lake, Illinois, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $29.06, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This disparity can influence how professionals approach opportunities, particularly in part-time positions, as someone working three days a week could find the pay is not as competitive compared to other regions. The hourly range in this area stretches from $21.76 for entry-level positions to $35.76 for those at the top of their field. These rates are reflective of typical settings where COTAs operate, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, outpatient clinics, school therapy rooms, and through home health services. It’s significant to consider how factors such as years of experience and specific employer types can impact earnings in the field.
About the Crystal Lake 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) | $21.76 | $174.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.28 | $202.25 |
| Median (P50) | $29.06 | $232.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.92 | $255.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.76 | $286.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Crystal Lake
Based on $29.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.06/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Crystal Lake, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,454 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,877. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Crystal Lake.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Crystal Lake
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,162.58 | $5,038 | $60,454 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.55 | $3,023 | $36,272 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.03 | $2,015 | $24,182 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Crystal Lake) | $29.06 |
| 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 Crystal Lake, IL earn a median of $60,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.68% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the Illinois state average of $63,493.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.06/hr = $36,272/year (purchasing power: $37,356).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,454/year (purchasing power: $62,259).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Crystal Lake (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.88/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Crystal Lake grew 17.5% from $24.05/hr (2019) to $28.27/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.88/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 Crystal Lake 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 Crystal Lake
For part-time occupational therapy assistants in Crystal Lake, working 24 hours a week might yield an annual income that can substantially differ from full-time earnings. While those in per diem roles could often earn between $30-$45 per hour, factors like the 15% Medicare Part B cut introduced in 2022 affect hourly compensation, especially in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient settings. The flexibility of per diem work can be appealing, allowing COTAs to manage their schedules around family or education commitments, which might explain their willingness to accept varying rates. Different employer types can offer distinct pay scales, with hospital inpatient rehab and school districts sometimes providing lower rates compared to home health agencies, which may offer higher pay but lack consistent hours. Occupational therapy assistants in Illinois should weigh the importance of benefits like health insurance, which may come at a lower hourly rate, against the potential for earning more without benefits. When negotiating pay, it's essential for COTAs to highlight their credentials and experience, as local market conditions can impact offers significantly.
More salary data for Crystal Lake, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Crystal Lake in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Crystal Lake?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Crystal Lake paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Crystal Lake?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Crystal Lake?
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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 Crystal Lake. 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 Crystal Lake 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