Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oswego, IL: $29.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oswego, IL runs $29.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oswego's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,683 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oswego, Illinois, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $29.39 in 2026, which lags behind the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate offers a reasonable income for part-time and per-diem workers, who may find employment in various settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits. With an hourly range that starts at $22.43 for entry-level positions and goes up to $35.76 for those at the top of the pay scale, occupational therapy assistants in this area have the potential to negotiate based on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from annual salary data, which helps provide insight into the opportunities available for those considering a career as a COTA in Oswego.
About the Oswego 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) | $22.43 | $179.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.97 | $207.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.39 | $235.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.04 | $256.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.76 | $286.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oswego
Based on $29.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.39/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oswego, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,138 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,272. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oswego.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oswego
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,175.74 | $5,095 | $61,138 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $705.44 | $3,057 | $36,683 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.29 | $2,038 | $24,455 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oswego) | $29.39 |
| 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 Oswego, IL earn a median of $61,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.76% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.70% below the Illinois state average of $63,479.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.39/hr = $36,683/year (purchasing power: $37,779).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,138/year (purchasing power: $62,964).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oswego (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oswego grew 17.5% from $24.32/hr (2019) to $28.59/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.22/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 Oswego 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 Oswego
For those working part-time, taking on a 3-day workweek (approximately 24 hours) can yield an annual income of approximately $36,779, significantly lower than what a full-time occupational therapy assistant could earn. Meanwhile, per-diem roles in Oswego typically command bills of $30-$45 per hour, creating a flexible avenue for income, especially for individuals looking for temporary or contract work. However, it's crucial to be aware that premium pay for SNF agency positions has diminished in light of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, impacting compensation across the board. Hourly rates may also fluctuate based on employer types, with schools and outpatient clinics often offering lower wages in exchange for benefits. For those navigating these dynamics, negotiating for additional benefits or higher pay can be essential, especially in a market where the choice between a high hourly rate and consistent employee benefits can significantly influence career decisions.
More salary data for Oswego, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oswego in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oswego?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oswego paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oswego?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oswego?
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 Oswego. 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 Oswego 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