Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Hanover Park, IL: $29.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Hanover Park, IL runs $29.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,006 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Hanover Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,606 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hanover Park, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant (COTA) is estimated at $29.33. This contrasts with the national median of $35.74 per hour. For part-time workers, such as those who may be employed three days a week, this translates to approximately $23,000 annually if working around 24 hours each week. Per-diem occupational therapy assistants can also find opportunities in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, with pay rates generally ranging from $22.41 to $36.60 per hour. Such hourly wages reflect the different levels of experience and specialization, allowing entry-level professionals to earn as little as $22.41 while seasoned practitioners can approach the higher end of the scale, emphasizing the potential for both flexibility and financial variation in the field.
About the Hanover Park 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) | $22.41 | $179.30 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.85 | $206.77 |
| Median (P50) | $29.33 | $234.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.80 | $246.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.60 | $292.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hanover Park
Based on $29.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hanover Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,010 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,198. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hanover Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hanover Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.27 | $5,084 | $61,010 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $703.96 | $3,050 | $36,606 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.31 | $2,034 | $24,404 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Hanover Park) | $29.33 |
| 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 Hanover Park, IL earn a median of $61,006 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.93% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.90% below the Illinois state average of $63,482.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.33/hr = $36,606/year (purchasing power: $37,699).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,010/year (purchasing power: $62,832).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Hanover Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hanover Park grew 17.5% from $24.27/hr (2019) to $28.53/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.16/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 Hanover Park 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 Hanover Park
Many occupational therapy assistants in Hanover Park opt for part-time hours, and working 24 hours a week provides a pathway to a reliable income stream, albeit not as substantial as full-time pay. Some COTAs choose to work on a per-diem basis, where they may earn between $30 to $45 an hour, though this can depend on the specific agency or contract arrangements. Travel COTAs can command even higher weekly rates, ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, which may be appealing given the declining agency premium pay post-2022 reimbursement cuts. It's also essential to understand how hourly rates can differ depending on the setting; for example, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics. Occupational therapy assistants often negotiate pay based on their need for benefits, as accepting lower hourly wages can sometimes be offset by receiving health insurance or retirement plans. For those looking to optimize their earnings or find a suitable employment fit, developing strong negotiation skills while being informed about the local market can make a significant difference.
More salary data for Hanover Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Hanover Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Hanover Park?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Hanover Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Hanover Park?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Hanover Park?
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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 Hanover Park. 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 Hanover Park 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