Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $33.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Elgin, IL runs $33.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,124 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,469 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Elgin, IL, earn a median hourly rate of $33.23, slightly lower than the national median hourly wage of $35.74. This figure highlights the financial dynamics for professionals in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health services. Part-time workers, especially those on a three-day-a-week schedule, can expect to earn a respectable income while enjoying flexibility, though this often means lower overall earnings compared to full-time positions. The hourly wage range in Elgin spans from $24.03 for entry-level positions to $42.40 for top earners, illustrating the wide spectrum of pay based on experience and specialization.
About the Elgin 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) | $24.03 | $192.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.84 | $222.73 |
| Median (P50) | $33.23 | $265.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.07 | $296.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.40 | $339.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $33.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.23/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,115 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,874. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,329.13 | $5,760 | $69,115 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $797.48 | $3,456 | $41,469 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.65 | $2,304 | $27,646 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Elgin) | $33.23 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $69,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.01% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.90% above the Illinois state average of $63,475.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.23/hr = $41,469/year (purchasing power: $42,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,115/year (purchasing power: $71,179).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Elgin grew 17.5% from $27.50/hr (2019) to $32.32/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.16/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
When considering part-time roles, an occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week could expect annual earnings that differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. These professionals may also consider the per diem route, where occupational therapy assistant pay in Elgin ranges from $30 to $45 an hour, offering another avenue to increase income. However, many find traveling contracts appealing, with options reaching $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Various employer types contribute to wage differences; for example, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer different hourly rates compared to school districts or home health agencies. Additionally, benefits package negotiations are critical—some opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance, while others pursue higher hourly rates without benefits. For occupational therapy assistants in Elgin, understanding these nuances and effectively negotiating pay can lead to better financial outcomes.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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