Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Orland Park, IL: $30.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Orland Park, IL runs $30.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,361 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Orland Park's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,620 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Orland Park, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $30.95, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This disparity in hourly compensation can have significant implications for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis in different therapeutic settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools. For part-time workers, particularly those averaging three days a week, the income must be carefully managed around their hourly earnings, which can range from $22.11 for entry-level positions to $37.66 for established professionals in the field. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a valuable snapshot for current or prospective occupational therapy assistants considering various employment opportunities in 2026.
About the Orland 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) | $22.11 | $176.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.24 | $209.90 |
| Median (P50) | $30.95 | $247.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.66 | $301.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Orland Park
Based on $30.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.95/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Orland Park, IL can expect to earn approximately $64,367 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,135. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Orland Park.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Orland Park
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,237.83 | $5,364 | $64,367 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $742.70 | $3,218 | $38,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.13 | $2,146 | $25,747 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Orland Park) | $30.95 |
| 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 Orland Park, IL earn a median of $64,361 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.41% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $63,473.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.95/hr = $38,620/year (purchasing power: $39,774).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,367/year (purchasing power: $66,290).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Orland Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.82/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orland Park grew 17.5% from $25.61/hr (2019) to $30.10/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.82/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 Orland 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 Orland Park
Analyzing the potential earnings for a part-time occupational therapy assistant in Orland Park reveals a stark contrast to full-time income. A 24-hour workweek at the median hourly rate results in an annual income that may not significantly exceed that of full-time staff, who generally enjoy greater financial security with consistent hours. Per-diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Orland Park can vary, with many professionals billing $30 to $45 per hour; however, the decline in premium pay seen post-2022 due to reimbursement cuts may affect earnings in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics. Additionally, hourly rates can fluctuate based on employer types, where hospital contracts, school districts, and home health agencies each bring distinct pay structures. It's also crucial to consider the benefits trade-off; some assistants may opt for lower hourly rates with included health insurance, while others might prefer higher wages without benefits. For those negotiating these roles, understanding local pay trends, being aware of the complexities brought by the 15% Medicare cut, and having clear communication about compensation expectations can empower assistant-level COTAs pursuing career advancement in Orland Park, IL.
More salary data for Orland Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Orland Park in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Orland Park?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Orland Park paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Orland Park?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Orland Park?
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 Orland 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 Orland 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