Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Normal, IL: $61,541 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Normal, IL earns a median $61,541/year (≈ $29.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Normal's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $63,379 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in Normal, Illinois, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $61,541, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. The local salary range shows significant variability, with the lowest earners making around $42,682 and the highest earning up to $75,519. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost variations. The higher productivity expectations—determined by the number of therapy visits per day—have a direct influence on compensation levels and market demand, shaping the availability of positions for COTAs in the area.
About the Normal Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,682 | $20.52 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,207 | $24.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,541 | $29.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,111 | $32.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,519 | $36.30 |
Median Salary Position
17.21% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Normal
In Normal, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,837 (2026 est.). At $61,541, the local median is 17.21% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Normal: You'd be above the median
How Normal Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Normal median: $61,541/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Normal Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,444 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -17.21% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Normal, IL earn a median of $61,541 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.21% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $63,444.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Normal 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.
Normal, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $61,541 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,379 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,926
2025 BLS Actual
$59,859
2026 Current Est.
$61,541
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Normal (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,926 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,110 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,108 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,194 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,479 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,016 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,859 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,541 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,270 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Normal metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $50,926 (2019) to $59,859 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,270 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,344 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Normal 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) | $42,682 – $51,207 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,207 – $61,541 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,541 – $67,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,111 – $75,519 |
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 Normal
Employment for occupational therapy assistants in Normal currently stands at just eight individuals, indicating a relatively small market. The cost-of-living index at 97.1 suggests that residents enjoy a lower-than-average cost environment, although this may impact overall purchasing power relative to salaries. In this job market, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs tend to offer better pay compared to school districts and home health agencies. Factors influencing salary variation in Normal include setting, productivity demands, and the impact of the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on funds available for OT services, which has tightened financial resources in certain sectors like skilled nursing facilities. To maximize earnings in this competitive landscape, COTAs should consider pursuing roles in higher-paying specialties, such as inpatient rehabilitation, and strategically navigate contract opportunities that align with peak productivity periods.
More salary data for Normal, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Normal, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Normal?
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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 $59,859 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Normal 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 Normal 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