Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Wheeling, IL: $29.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Wheeling, IL runs $29.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,963 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Wheeling's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wheeling, Illinois, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $29.79 in 2026, which falls considerably below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. For those working in part-time roles, such as three days per week, this translates to approximately $1,158 each week based on a typical schedule, allowing for a degree of flexibility that may appeal to many professionals. In this field, per-diem roles can provide varied pay depending on the specific setting—ranging between $22.60 and $36.95 per hour. Such settings typically include skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For entry-level positions, compensation starts around $22.60, while more experienced practitioners can earn as much as $36.95 per hour, illustrating a diverse pay landscape within Wheeling.
About the Wheeling 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) | $22.60 | $180.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.14 | $209.16 |
| Median (P50) | $29.79 | $238.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.97 | $263.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.95 | $295.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wheeling
Based on $29.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wheeling, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,972 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,753. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wheeling.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wheeling
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.77 | $5,164 | $61,972 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $715.06 | $3,099 | $37,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.71 | $2,066 | $24,789 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Wheeling) | $29.79 |
| 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 Wheeling, IL earn a median of $61,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.64% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.40% below the Illinois state average of $63,486.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.79/hr = $37,183/year (purchasing power: $38,294).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,972/year (purchasing power: $63,823).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Wheeling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling grew 17.5% from $24.66/hr (2019) to $28.98/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.63/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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling
The earning potential for a part-time occupational therapy assistant working an average of 24 hours a week would yield a significantly lower take-home pay compared to full-time counterparts, making it essential for workers to consider their financial needs and career goals. Many per diem occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling can expect to bill around $30 to $45 per hour, but some also choose agency roles that might involve contracts where they could earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. With the recent decline in premium pay for skilled nursing facility assignments following the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, it can impact decision-making for assistants seeking competitive pay. Different employer types also offer different compensation structures; for instance, school district contracts may provide lower hourly rates but with the benefit of health insurance, while outpatient clinics might focus on higher pay without additional benefits. When negotiating hourly rates, it's advisable for occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling to consider both pay and benefits, as well as stay abreast of current trends affecting salary ranges in their field.
More salary data for Wheeling, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Wheeling?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Wheeling paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Wheeling?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Wheeling?
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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 Wheeling. 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 Wheeling 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