Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Normal, IL: $29.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Normal, IL runs $29.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,541 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Normal's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,927 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Normal, Illinois, the projected hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $29.59, which is significantly lower than the national median of $35.74 per hour. This disparity can have important implications for those seeking flexible work options, such as part-time positions or per-diem roles within various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Those just starting their careers can expect to earn around $20.52 per hour, while experienced top earners may make up to $36.30. Freelance or contract work, which is increasingly common in the profession, also allows COTAs to adjust their hours based on personal needs, providing greater flexibility in their work-life balance.
About the Normal 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) | $20.52 | $164.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.62 | $196.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.59 | $236.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.26 | $258.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.30 | $290.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Normal
Based on $29.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.59/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Normal, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,506. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Normal.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Normal
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.55 | $5,129 | $61,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.13 | $3,077 | $36,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.42 | $2,051 | $24,618 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Normal) | $29.59 |
| 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 Normal, IL earn a median of $61,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $63,444.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.59/hr = $36,927/year (purchasing power: $38,030).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,545/year (purchasing power: $63,383).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.48/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.48/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Normal grew 17.5% from $24.48/hr (2019) to $28.78/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.42/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 Normal 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 Normal
Exploring potential earnings as a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Normal reveals that an employee working three days a week (24 hours) could expect to take home approximately $36,926 annually, which is substantially less than a full-time assistant's earnings, providing a clear illustration of the income gap. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Normal typically falls between $30 to $45 per hour, depending on factors like travel requirements and agency agreements. As the 15% Medicare cut implemented in 2022 continues to impact reimbursement rates, some providers are offering premium pay to attract and retain talent, though hourly compensation at skilled nursing facilities may be less lucrative compared to other settings. COTAs in Normal often need to weigh the benefits of steady employment that includes health insurance against higher wages offered by agencies without such benefits. Effective negotiation for hourly rates based on local market conditions and individual expertise can enhance earning potential, making it vital for aspiring occupational therapy assistants to stay informed and advocate for competitive compensation in their roles.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Normal in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Normal?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Normal paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Normal?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Normal?
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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 Normal. 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 Normal 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