Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Schaumburg, IL: $62,335 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Schaumburg, IL earns a median $62,335/year (≈ $29.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Schaumburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $64,197 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Schaumburg is projected to reach a median of $62,335. This figure reflects local estimates that account for regional cost adjustments and productivity expectations. With a salary range extending from $46,248 at the 10th percentile to $80,173 at the 90th percentile, the earnings potential presents a varied landscape for COTAs in the area. While this median is lower than the national average of $74,332, it is essential to consider the local job market dynamics that influence compensation, particularly the expectations behind visits-per-day that can shape effective earnings.
About the Schaumburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,248 | $22.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,177 | $26.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,335 | $29.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,589 | $32.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,173 | $38.54 |
Median Salary Position
16.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schaumburg
In Schaumburg, IL, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,925 (2026 est.). At $62,335, the local median is 16.14% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schaumburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schaumburg Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Schaumburg median: $62,335/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schaumburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $63,477 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -16.14% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Schaumburg, IL earn a median of $62,335 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $63,477.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schaumburg 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.
Schaumburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $62,335 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,197 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,582
2025 BLS Actual
$60,631
2026 Current Est.
$62,335
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Schaumburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,582 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,782 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,767 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,880 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,842 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,335 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schaumburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $51,582 (2019) to $60,631 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,504 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schaumburg 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) | $46,248 – $54,177 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,177 – $62,335 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,335 – $66,589 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,589 – $80,173 |
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 Schaumburg
Analyzing the job market for COTAs in Schaumburg reveals that only 13 professionals are currently employed in this field. The area's cost-of-living index stands at 97.1, slightly below the national average, indicating that take-home pay may stretch further than in more costly regions. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics tend to offer the highest wages, while school district contracts generally pay less due to budget constraints. Factors contributing to the disparity in salaries include setting preferences, productivity demands, and the impact of the recent 15% cut in Medicare reimbursement rates for OTA services. To maximize earning potential in Schaumburg, COTAs should consider opportunities that offer PRN shifts or weekend work, as these often come with higher premiums, and seek contracts that align with Medicare billing practices.
More salary data for Schaumburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Schaumburg, IL in 2026?
Is Schaumburg, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Schaumburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Schaumburg?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Schaumburg?
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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 $60,631 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Schaumburg 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 Schaumburg 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