Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $30.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Joliet, IL runs $30.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,838 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Joliet, Illinois, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is $30.32, a figure that is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference means that occupational therapy assistants in the Joliet area may see varying degrees of compensation depending on their work settings and schedules. For those working part-time, such as three days a week in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, or outpatient clinics, this hourly rate translates to a reliable income, generally sufficient to sustain a modest lifestyle given the area's cost of living index of 97.1. Hourly wages for entry-level assistants start at approximately $21.69 (P10), while more experienced professionals can earn up to $38.22 (P90), reflecting the range of expertise within the field and the demand in local healthcare settings.
About the Joliet 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) | $21.69 | $173.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.80 | $206.36 |
| Median (P50) | $30.32 | $242.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.56 | $268.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.22 | $305.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $30.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.32/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $63,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,382. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.75 | $5,255 | $63,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.65 | $3,153 | $37,838 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.10 | $2,102 | $25,225 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Joliet) | $30.32 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $63,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.16% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $63,446.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.32/hr = $37,838/year (purchasing power: $38,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,063/year (purchasing power: $64,946).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Joliet grew 17.5% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $29.49/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.17/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
For occupational therapy assistants considering part-time positions, the annual earnings from a 24-hour workweek would amount to about $37,000, which contrasts sharply with full-time earnings. In the Joliet area, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay can vary significantly, with rates typically ranging from $30 to $45 per hour for agency contractors, making it a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Travel contracts often offer between $1,100 and $1,700 per week, but the declining premium pay for SNF agency COTAs following the 2022 Medicare reimbursement cuts complicates earnings for many. Different employers, such as schools and early intervention programs, may offer distinct hourly rates influenced by funding and budget constraints. While some may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, others accept lower wages in exchange for employer-sponsored health insurance. Negotiating can be crucial; those in Joliet are encouraged to understand average market rates and explore potential benefits, which can enhance their overall compensation package.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Joliet?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Joliet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Joliet?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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