Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Springfield, IL: $33.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Springfield, IL runs $33.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,417 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Springfield, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $33.19, which falls slightly below the national median of $35.74. This hourly figure can significantly benefit professionals working part-time or per diem, as many COTAs gravitate towards flexible schedules in various environments like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time workers who might take on shifts three days a week, the stable hourly rate allows for a consistent income, adding to the complexity of their work-life balance. Entry-level assistants can expect to earn around $24.92, while those with more experience can reach up to $41.60 per hour, reflecting the broad salary range that responds to diverse skill sets and responsibilities.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.92 | $199.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.49 | $235.89 |
| Median (P50) | $33.19 | $265.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.61 | $308.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.60 | $332.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $33.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.19/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $69,029 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,824. With a cost-of-living index of 92.75 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,327.48 | $5,752 | $69,029 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.49 | $3,451 | $41,417 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.99 | $2,301 | $27,612 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Springfield) | $33.19 |
| 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 Springfield, IL earn a median of $69,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.70% above the Illinois state average of $63,502.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.19/hr = $41,417/year (purchasing power: $44,657).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,029/year (purchasing power: $74,429).
CoL index: 92.745 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Springfield grew 27.2% from $25.37/hr (2019) to $32.28/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.12/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
Looking deeper into the earning potential reveals various pathways for COTAs in Springfield, particularly for those working part-time or per diem. A 24-hour work week could translate to about $41,850 annually, which is substantially lower than what a full-time assistant could earn. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Springfield generally ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts potentially offering weekly pay between $1,100 and $1,700. However, it's essential to consider the stability and benefits that full-time positions may provide, especially in skilled nursing facilities and hospitals, where hourly rates might be lower due to built-in health insurance options. Negotiation plays a critical role; those seeking higher hourly wages should weigh their need for benefits against wage increments, keeping in mind the recent 15% reduction in Medicare reimbursements that has placed pressure on OT and OTA salaries. By understanding these dynamics, occupational therapy assistants can better navigate their career pathways in Springfield, IL.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Springfield. 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, 7-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