Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Evanston, IL: $30.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Evanston, IL runs $30.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Evanston's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Evanston, Illinois, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant stands at $30.35, which is below the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This salary reflects the market's compensation for professionals working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For part-time occupational therapy assistants working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a steady income that can support personal needs while allowing for job flexibility. The range of hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at around $20.73 and top earners potentially reaching $38.69 per hour. These figures are based on BLS estimates derived from annual salary data, which offers insight into possible earnings in this rewarding field.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.00 | $200.03 |
| Median (P50) | $30.35 | $242.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.05 | $272.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.69 | $309.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Evanston
Based on $30.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.35/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Evanston, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,127 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,419. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Evanston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Evanston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,213.98 | $5,261 | $63,127 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $728.39 | $3,156 | $37,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.59 | $2,104 | $25,251 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Evanston) | $30.35 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Evanston, IL earn a median of $63,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.09% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,500.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.35/hr = $37,876/year (purchasing power: $39,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,127/year (purchasing power: $65,012).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Evanston grew 17.5% from $25.11/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Evanston
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Evanston may take home substantial earnings with a three-day work schedule, amounting to approximately $37,974 annually based on 24 hours of work each week. However, full-time professionals can earn considerably more, particularly in demanding roles. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Evanston typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, making these positions attractive for those seeking flexibility. On the other hand, travel contracts for occupational therapy assistants can yield between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, post-2022 reimbursement cuts have affected premium pay in skilled nursing facilities, challenging some earnings. Hourly rates can vary widely across different settings, such as outpatient therapy clinics or early intervention programs, impacting total compensation packages. Furthermore, some occupational therapy assistants decide to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health benefits, while others pursue higher-paying roles without insurance. When negotiating rates, it’s essential for COTAs to highlight their experience and certifications to secure better pay in Evanston's competitive job market.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Evanston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Evanston?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Evanston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Evanston?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Evanston?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Evanston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Evanston 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