Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Moline, IL: $64,359 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Moline, IL earns a median $64,359/year (≈ $30.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Moline's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $66,281 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in 2026 is $64,359, which is notably lower than the national median of $74,332 by approximately 13.42%. Local salaries range from $46,450 at the 10th percentile to $75,159 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied earning potential based on the work setting and experience. This information is derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional economic conditions, highlighting the unique financial landscape occupational therapy assistants face in Moline. As the demand for therapy services continues to rise, understanding these salary figures can assist professionals in navigating their career pathways, particularly those considering pursuing further education through COTA-to-MOT bridge programs to enhance their earning capacity over time.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,450 | $22.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,893 | $26.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,359 | $30.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,629 | $33.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,159 | $36.14 |
Median Salary Position
13.42% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
In Moline, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,709 (2026 est.). At $64,359, the local median is 13.42% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Moline: You'd be above the median
How Moline Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Moline median: $64,359/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moline Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,470 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | -13.42% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Moline, IL earn a median of $64,359 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.42% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $63,470.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moline has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Moline, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $64,359 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,281 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,258
2025 BLS Actual
$62,600
2026 Current Est.
$64,359
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,258 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,496 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,448 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,630 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,020 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,600 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,359 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,168 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moline metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $53,258 (2019) to $62,600 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,168 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,910 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $46,450 – $54,893 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,893 – $64,359 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,359 – $69,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,629 – $75,159 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Moline
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Moline remains relatively small, with only 10 professionals currently employed in the field. The area's cost of living index is 97.1, which suggests that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the overall affordability can provide a comfortable living standard. Among the local employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest compensation packages, but outpatient clinics and home health agencies also provide competitive salaries. Differences in pay across settings are influenced by factors such as productivity expectations, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022, and the nature of employment contracts, such as school-year vs. year-round positions. To maximize pay, occupational therapy assistants should focus on seeking opportunities in higher-paying settings, building skills tailored to the needs of local employers, and considering further education to increase their qualifications and marketability.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Moline, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Moline?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Moline?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Moline?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,600 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Moline metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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