Salary data · Illinois
Occupational therapy assistant salary in Illinois
Occupational therapy assistants in Illinois earn a mean of $65,580 a year and a median of $64,120, 7.3% below the national mean of $70,710. That ranks 36th of the 50 states with a published estimate.
$65,580
Mean annual wage
about $32 an hour
$64,120
Median annual wage
36th of 50
State rank
by mean wage
2,470
OTAs employed
BLS estimate
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 estimates. These are estimates for occupational therapy assistants already employed in Illinois, not offers; the hourly figure divides the annual mean by 2,080 hours. Setting, specialty and caseload move an individual offer well above or below them. Updated October 22, 2026.
By metro
Occupational therapy assistant pay by metro in Illinois
| Metro | Mean | Median | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $68,150 | $67,840 | 1,710 |
| Rockford | $65,190 | $62,640 | 40 |
| Champaign | $59,370 | $60,840 | 70 |
| Peoria | $55,420 | $55,210 | 100 |
Source: BLS OEWS metropolitan estimates. Suppressed cells show n/a.
The market
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Illinois
Source: NPPES monthly file, October 2026 (CMS, public domain), as of October 2026.
Licensed in another state?
Illinois is not a member of the OT Compact: occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed in another state need a full Illinois license before starting.
How the OT Compact works →Open roles
OTA openings in Illinois
Other roles in Illinois
Thinking about a OTA move in Illinois?
Send a resume and a few lines on the setting, schedule and pay you want. A licensed clinician reads every one, and it stays confidential.