Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Waukegan, IL: $63,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Waukegan, IL earns a median $63,566/year (≈ $30.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Waukegan's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $65,464 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median annual salary of $63,566 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332. The local salary range varies widely, from $44,135 at the 10th percentile to $82,103 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the differences in pay based on experience, setting, and performance metrics. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and incorporate regional price adjustments, reflecting the productivity expectations that influence earnings. With a focus on visits per day shaping compensation, those who can drive higher patient engagement and outcomes may find greater financial rewards in the Waukegan job market.
About the Waukegan Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,135 | $21.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,929 | $25.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,566 | $30.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,357 | $33.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,103 | $39.47 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Waukegan
In Waukegan, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,968 (2026 est.). At $63,566, the local median is 14.48% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Waukegan: You'd be above the median
How Waukegan Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Waukegan median: $63,566/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Waukegan Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,503 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -14.48% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukegan, IL earn a median of $63,566 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $63,503.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Waukegan 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.
Waukegan, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,566 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,464 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,602
2025 BLS Actual
$61,829
2026 Current Est.
$63,566
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,602 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,825 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,790 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,305 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,123 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,829 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,353 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Waukegan metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,602 (2019) to $61,829 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,353 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,751 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waukegan 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) | $44,135 – $52,929 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,929 – $63,566 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,566 – $69,357 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,357 – $82,103 |
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 Waukegan
The employment outlook for occupational therapy assistants in Waukegan is buoyed by the presence of approximately 18 individuals in this profession, although the cost-of-living index of 97.1 indicates a purchasing power slightly below the national average. Key employers, such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, typically offer higher wages when compared to school districts or outpatient clinics. Factors affecting pay disparity include the nature of the work environment, productivity demands, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on therapy services. To optimize earnings, occupational therapy assistants may benefit from prioritizing roles in high-paying settings, pursuing additional certifications, and exploring opportunities for contract work that may provide a premium for weekend and PRN shifts, ultimately enhancing their overall occupational therapy assistant pay in Waukegan, IL.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Waukegan, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Waukegan?
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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 $61,829 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Waukegan 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 Waukegan 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