Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Quincy, IL: $29.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Quincy, IL runs $29.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Quincy's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.49 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Quincy, Illinois, an occupational therapy assistant earns a median hourly pay of $29.61, which is significantly lower than the national average of $35.74. This disparity means that occupational therapy assistants working part-time, for instance, three days a week, may earn around $28,000 annually based on a 24-hour workweek. Such positions can be found in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for this role in Quincy varies widely, starting from about $20.65 for entry-level positions to $36.47 for the most experienced practitioners. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the earnings landscape in this profession and allowing flexibility for adjunct roles like per diem work.
About the Quincy 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) | $20.65 | $165.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.78 | $206.28 |
| Median (P50) | $29.61 | $236.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.55 | $260.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.47 | $291.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Quincy
Based on $29.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.61/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Quincy, IL can expect to earn approximately $61,587 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,531. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Quincy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Quincy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,184.37 | $5,132 | $61,587 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.62 | $3,079 | $36,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.75 | $2,053 | $24,635 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Quincy) | $29.61 |
| 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 Quincy, IL earn a median of $61,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $63,503.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.61/hr = $36,952/year (purchasing power: $38,056).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,587/year (purchasing power: $63,427).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.44/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Quincy grew 17.5% from $24.50/hr (2019) to $28.80/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.44/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 Quincy 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 Quincy
When considering the earning potential of a part-time occupational therapy assistant compared to full-time positions, the numbers reveal quite a dynamic. For those accepting per diem or agency positions, the hourly pay can fluctuate between $30 and $45, depending on the contract terms. Even travel COTA contracts tend to be lucrative, offering weekly earnings ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. In Quincy, however, the diverse range of employers results in varied rates—skilled nursing facilities may offer different wage structures compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts. The trade-off for some workers may lie between higher hourly wages and the lack of benefits such as health insurance, persuading many to opt for lower pay with perks. For those entering the field, negotiating in Quincy can be focused on understanding these benefits versus direct pay, as well as leveraging the decline in reimbursement rates following the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Quincy in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Quincy?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Quincy paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Quincy?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Quincy?
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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 Quincy. 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 Quincy 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