Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Oak Park, IL: $63,013 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Oak Park, IL earns a median $63,013/year (≈ $30.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Oak Park's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,895 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Oak Park, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $63,013 in 2026, which reflects a notable 15.23% below the national median of $74,332. The salary range for these professionals is projected to be between $42,864 at the 10th percentile and $76,277 at the 90th percentile, indicating a wide variance in compensation based on experience, setting, and productivity expectations. These figures are estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, which provide valuable insight into compensation dynamics within the area. The market for occupational therapy assistants in Oak Park reflects the essential services provided, with opportunities that are expected to grow at an annual rate of 2.81%, pointing to a steady demand in this field.
About the Oak Park Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,864 | $20.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,583 | $26.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,013 | $30.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,088 | $32.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,277 | $36.67 |
Median Salary Position
15.23% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Oak Park
In Oak Park, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,413 (2026 est.). At $63,013, the local median is 15.23% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Oak Park: You'd be above the median
How Oak Park Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Oak Park median: $63,013/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Oak Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,457 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.23% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oak Park, IL earn a median of $63,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% below the Illinois state average of $63,457.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Oak Park 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.
Oak Park, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,013 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,895 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,144
2025 BLS Actual
$61,291
2026 Current Est.
$63,013
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oak Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,144 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,356 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,330 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,467 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,806 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,548 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,291 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,013 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,784 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Oak Park metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,144 (2019) to $61,291 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,784 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,640 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oak Park 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) | $42,864 – $55,583 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,583 – $63,013 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,013 – $68,088 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,088 – $76,277 |
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 Oak Park
In Oak Park, where 10 occupational therapy assistants are currently employed, the local job market showcases both opportunities and challenges. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the take-home purchasing power for these professionals may be slightly less than the national average, which influences salary expectations. Employers across various settings offer differing pay scales, with skilled nursing facilities typically providing lower wages compared to hospital inpatient rehab programs and outpatient clinics. Factors contributing to wage disparities include productivity expectations, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on service provision, and whether the role is in a school district with set contracts versus flexible home health agencies. To maximize earning potential, occupational therapy assistants should consider working in higher-paying environments, seeking weekend shifts or PRN opportunities, and exploring roles that offer year-round contracts to offset potential income fluctuations inherent in the educational calendar.
More salary data for Oak Park, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Oak Park, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Oak Park?
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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 $61,291 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Oak Park 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 Oak Park 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