Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Elmhurst, IL: $28.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Elmhurst, IL runs $28.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,046 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Elmhurst's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,029 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Elmhurst, Illinois, is projected to average $28.87. This rate is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, highlighting a disparity that local COTAs may experience. For those working part-time, particularly three days a week, this translates into a gross monthly income that can vary significantly based on hours worked and specific employer settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. Entry-level positions might start around $21.31 per hour, while more experienced workers can command upwards of $34.13 per hour, reflecting a range in potential earnings that can influence job choice depending on individuals' financial needs and career aspirations.
About the Elmhurst 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) | $21.31 | $170.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.89 | $199.12 |
| Median (P50) | $28.87 | $230.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.86 | $246.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.13 | $273.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elmhurst
Based on $28.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.87/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elmhurst, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,643. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elmhurst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elmhurst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,154.76 | $5,004 | $60,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.86 | $3,002 | $36,029 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.90 | $2,002 | $24,019 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Elmhurst) | $28.87 |
| 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 Elmhurst, IL earn a median of $60,046 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.22% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.40% below the Illinois state average of $63,474.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.87/hr = $36,029/year (purchasing power: $37,105).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,048/year (purchasing power: $61,841).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elmhurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.68/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Elmhurst grew 17.5% from $23.89/hr (2019) to $28.08/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.68/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 Elmhurst 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 Elmhurst
Working part-time as an occupational therapy assistant typically results in an annual take-home pay that can be modest when compared to full-time earnings. For instance, a COTA functioning only three days a week may see substantially lower annual earnings than their full-time counterparts, who can benefit from consistent hours and potential overtime. The landscape for per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Elmhurst offers additional flexibility; agency and locum tenens COTAs can often charge between $30 and $45 per hour, with some travel contracts yielding $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. Different employer types greatly influence pay rates, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offering lower wages compared to hospital rehab and educational environments. While some COTAs may opt for positions that offer benefits at slightly lower hourly rates, the choice can often lead to trade-offs in long-term financial stability versus immediate compensation. Negotiating effectively based on these factors can be crucial for occupational therapy assistants in Elmhurst looking to maximize their earnings.
More salary data for Elmhurst, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Elmhurst in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Elmhurst?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Elmhurst paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Elmhurst?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Elmhurst?
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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 Elmhurst. 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 Elmhurst 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