Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Peoria, IL: $27.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Peoria, IL runs $27.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,761 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Peoria's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,053 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Peoria, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $27.29, which sits notably below the national median of $35.74. This disparity means that professionals in Peoria may need to rely on a higher volume of hours or diversification into per-diem roles to enhance their earnings. For those considering part-time work, such as a 3-day workweek totaling 24 hours, the hourly rate offers a predictable income, allowing for potential semi-annual budgeting. Entry-level assistants can expect to earn around $16.88 per hour, while the highest earners in the field can command up to $38.95, reflecting a significant professional progression that can occur within various clinical settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and schools.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.88 | $135.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.38 | $147.06 |
| Median (P50) | $27.29 | $218.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.75 | $285.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.95 | $311.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peoria
Based on $27.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.29/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peoria, IL can expect to earn approximately $56,754 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,743. With a cost-of-living index of 91.23 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Peoria.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peoria
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,091.43 | $4,730 | $56,754 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $654.86 | $2,838 | $34,053 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.57 | $1,892 | $22,702 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Peoria) | $27.29 |
| 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 Peoria, IL earn a median of $56,761 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.64% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 10.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,491.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.29/hr = $34,053/year (purchasing power: $37,326).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,754/year (purchasing power: $62,210).
CoL index: 91.231 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+3.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.05/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Peoria grew -2.0% from $27.08/hr (2019) to $26.54/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.05/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 Peoria 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 Peoria
The financial scenarios can vary widely for part-time occupational therapy assistants in Peoria. Working just three days a week at the hourly median can yield an annual take-home that is substantially less than that of a full-time employee. For those in per diem roles, agency pay ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer lucrative weekly rates between $1,100 and $1,700. However, as reimbursement cuts impact skilled nursing facilities, some may find that agency pay is less competitive than it once was. Pay can differ significantly based on employer type; a school district might offer lower hourly wages compared to a hospital's inpatient rehab unit, which can provide both higher pay and benefits. This trade-off is crucial for many occupational therapy assistants making career decisions. When negotiating, it's advisable to emphasize unique skills and flexibility, which can lead to improved hourly rates even if the position lacks comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Peoria in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Peoria?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Peoria paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Peoria?
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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 Peoria. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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