Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $29.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Plainfield, IL runs $29.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,377 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,824 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Plainfield, IL, stands at a median of $29.51 for 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, emphasizing the regional pay discrepancies. For those considering part-time work, such as a typical three-day workweek, this translates to approximately $473 for a 24-hour work schedule. Those looking for per-diem opportunities may find that typical roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, or outpatient clinics yield a range of $22.71 to $36.13 hourly, depending on experience and specific settings. New COTAs can start at the lower end of this range, while experienced professionals can earn at the higher end, making it crucial for aspiring assistants to understand market variations.
About the Plainfield 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) | $22.71 | $181.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.22 | $209.73 |
| Median (P50) | $29.51 | $236.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.30 | $258.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.13 | $289.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $29.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.51/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,373 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,408. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,180.26 | $5,114 | $61,373 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $708.16 | $3,069 | $36,824 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $472.10 | $2,046 | $24,549 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Plainfield) | $29.51 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $61,377 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.43% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $63,471.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.51/hr = $36,824/year (purchasing power: $37,924).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,373/year (purchasing power: $63,206).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield grew 17.5% from $24.42/hr (2019) to $28.70/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.34/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield can expect to bring home around $33,216 annually, considerably less than their full-time peers, who earn $61,377. For per-diem or agency workers, the reality can be different. In this niche, rates typically vary from $30 to $45 per hour, but fluctuations can occur based on the current reimbursements; the post-2022 cuts have especially impacted skilled nursing facility pay. It is also essential to recognize that different employer types can affect pay rates. For instance, COTAs in hospitals may earn differently compared to those in early intervention programs or school districts. While some might accept lower hourly rates for the benefits of healthcare coverage, others may opt for higher hourly pay that lacks those benefits. When negotiating, it's prudent to research the local market, understand the specific employer’s pay structure, and weigh the overall package of compensation and benefits.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Plainfield?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Plainfield?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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