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Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Illinois

Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $63,550, which is notably below the national average of $69,310. This variance is often influenced by a combination of regional economic factors, the specific demand within the state's healthcare sector, and the overall cost of living.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,550 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 1.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,780.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,230 Occupational Therapy Assistants, Illinois demonstrates a solid presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.18 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, indicating a stable and potentially growing demand for their services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,550

The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois earns-8.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.6

Weekly

$1,222

Monthly

$5,296

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Illinois

Career progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized roles can command significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect these opportunities for advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$47,830$23
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$47,663$22.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$63,710$30.6
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$79,438$38.2
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$77,780$37.4

Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,550

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,227

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $63,550 in Illinois presents a favorable financial situation when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, which is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power for residents.

Job Market Context

2,230

Total Jobs

0.367

Per 1K Jobs

1.18

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.18, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.18 signifies that Occupational Therapy Assistant roles are more concentrated in the state than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market where demand is at least on par with, or slightly exceeding, the national distribution, potentially offering good opportunities for job seekers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Comparing salaries near Illinois

Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois is $63,550. This typically ranges from $47,830 for entry-level positions to $77,780 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 8.3% lower than the national median of $69,310.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

Yes, Illinois offers a competitive environment for Occupational Therapy Assistants.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the lower cost of living and a strong concentration of jobs (LQ of 1.18) make it an attractive location for the profession.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($54,850) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.

How does the Illinois salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois is $63,550, which is approximately $5,760 less than the national average of $69,310.

What is the concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois?

Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.18, indicating a slightly higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average, meaning the $63,550 salary has greater purchasing power than it might in a higher-cost state.

What is the total number of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois?

There are approximately 2,230 Occupational Therapy Assistants employed in Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,230 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 0.367 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.