Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $29.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Downers Grove, IL runs $29.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,337 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $29.12, notably lower than the national median of $35.74. This rate can significantly impact the financial viability of part-time workers, such as those pursuing positions in skilled nursing facilities or hospital rehab units, who commonly work three days per week. With hourly earnings ranging from $21.90 at entry-level positions to $35.92 for more experienced professionals, part-time therapists might find themselves budgeting carefully, especially in a area where the cost of living index is slightly below the national average at 97.1. This estimated hourly rate offers insights into the compensation landscape for occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in various settings, including outpatient clinics and home health visits, where therapy is typically delivered under OT supervision.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $21.90 | $175.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.39 | $203.15 |
| Median (P50) | $29.12 | $232.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.05 | $256.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.92 | $287.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $29.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.12/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,561 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,939. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,164.63 | $5,047 | $60,561 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $698.78 | $3,028 | $36,337 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.85 | $2,019 | $24,224 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Downers Grove) | $29.12 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $60,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.53% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,478.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.12/hr = $36,337/year (purchasing power: $37,422).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,561/year (purchasing power: $62,370).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Downers Grove grew 17.5% from $24.09/hr (2019) to $28.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.93/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
When considering the full-time versus part-time dynamics in Downers Grove, a COTA working 24 hours a week may take home around $45,000 annually, a stark contrast to full-time counterparts who earn closer to $60,558 each year. Those working per diem often find themselves navigating varying conditions, typically billing between $30 and $45 per hour; however, they may not receive benefits and must adjust their schedules according to client demands. The demand for COTAs in this region varies, with higher hourly pay being offered in settings like outpatient clinics and home health agencies, while skilled nursing facilities may lag behind, especially post-2022 Medicare cuts. Some assistants opt for slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance benefits, knowing those costs can offset potential hourly gains. For those seeking to negotiate their pay, understanding the local wage trends and highlighting their specialized skills can be advantageous, allowing them to secure better compensation opportunities.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Downers Grove?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Downers Grove?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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