Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Elgin, IL: $69,124 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Elgin, IL earns a median $69,124/year (≈ $33.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,188 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.9% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, the career path for occupational therapy assistants is defined by a median annual salary of $69,124 as projected for 2026. This figure presents a locally competitive option within a salary range from $49,976 at the tenth percentile to $88,179 at the ninetieth percentile, reflecting a diverse job market for COTAs in the region. These estimates draw from state-level data and adjustments based on regional cost factors, reinforcing the importance of understanding local definitions of financial success compared to the national median of $74,332. As those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge trajectory examine lifetime earning potential, it becomes clear that the investment in further education can significantly enhance pay over the course of their careers, especially as the demand for qualified professionals continues to grow in Elgin's healthcare environment.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,976 | $24.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,916 | $27.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,124 | $33.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,117 | $37.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,179 | $42.40 |
Median Salary Position
7.01% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,203 (2026 est.). At $69,124, the local median is 7.01% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be above the median
How Elgin Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Elgin median: $69,124/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,475 | +8.90% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -7.01% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elgin, IL earn a median of $69,124 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.01% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 8.90% above the Illinois state average of $63,475.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $69,124 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,188 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,201
2025 BLS Actual
$67,235
2026 Current Est.
$69,124
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,201 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,405 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,749 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,093 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,235 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,124 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,067 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,201 (2019) to $67,235 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,067 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,866 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $49,976 – $57,916 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,916 – $69,124 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,124 – $77,117 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,117 – $88,179 |
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 Elgin
In terms of job availability, as of now, there are currently 16 occupational therapy assistants employed in Elgin, which speaks to the area's market health for this profession. The local cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, suggesting that living expenses are slightly below the national average, thereby enhancing the purchasing power of salaries earned by COTAs. Among different employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer higher compensation compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts, often due to the demanding environments and productivity expectations set forth by these settings. Factors influencing the salary range include the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which directly affects rates for SNF and outpatient roles, and varying pay scales for year-round versus school-year contracts. For those in the Elgin market looking to maximize occupational therapy assistant pay in Elgin IL, seeking roles in hospital inpatient rehabilitation and negotiating contract terms related to weekend or PRN shifts could yield more favorable financial outcomes.
More salary data for Elgin, 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
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 $67,235 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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