Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Aurora, IL: $62,681 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Aurora, IL earns a median $62,681/year (≈ $30.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Aurora's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,553 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected compensation for occupational therapy assistants in Aurora, Illinois, is estimated at $62,681 annually, which reflects a significant disparity compared to the national median of $74,332. The salary range varies markedly, with entry-level positions starting around $44,256 (P10) and experienced professionals potentially reaching up to $78,252 (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, while also taking into account regional price adjustments in the cost of living. Given these salary figures, Aurora presents a regional opportunity, particularly for those seeking roles that align with the productivity expectations set forth in various healthcare settings.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,256 | $21.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,522 | $24.77 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,681 | $30.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,914 | $33.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,252 | $37.62 |
Median Salary Position
15.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aurora
In Aurora, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,996 (2026 est.). At $62,681, the local median is 15.67% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Aurora: You'd be above the median
How Aurora Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Aurora median: $62,681/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aurora Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,507 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.67% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Aurora, IL earn a median of $62,681 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.67% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $63,507.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aurora has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aurora, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $62,681 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,553 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,869
2025 BLS Actual
$60,968
2026 Current Est.
$62,681
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,869 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,075 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,055 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,507 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,202 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,681 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,443 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aurora metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $51,869 (2019) to $60,968 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,443 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,574 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $44,256 – $51,522 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,522 – $62,681 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,681 – $68,914 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,914 – $78,252 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Aurora
The local job market includes 44 occupational therapy assistants, indicating a stable demand for these professionals within the community. The cost of living index in Aurora stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries may be slightly lower than the national average, there remains a comfortable living standard for residents. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units typically offer the most competitive pay packages. The differences in pay across settings can be attributed to various factors including employer type, patient volume expectations, and how the recent 15% Medicare cut affects reimbursement models. To enhance earning potential in Aurora, COTAs could benefit from pursuing advanced certifications or maximizing hours through weekend shifts or year-round contracts, as opportunities for higher earnings frequently emerge in outpatient clinics and specialized services.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Aurora, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Aurora?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Aurora?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $60,968 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Aurora metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora 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