Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $63,960 -6.4% vs national
Median hourly $30.75
10th percentile $49,690
90th percentile $78,960
Employed locally 1,570
National median $68,340

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Occupational Therapy Assistants
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Chicago, IL-IN
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $49,690
    25th
    $62,620
    50th (median)
    $63,960
    75th
    $73,100
    90th
    $78,960

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Occupational Therapy Assistants salary vs area income 72% Median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary is 28% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Occupational Therapy Assistants

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $96,500
    Modesto, CA $93,440
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $92,040
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $91,300
    Stockton-Lodi, CA $84,400
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $83,230

    Nearby metros — Occupational Therapy Assistants salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA $92,040
    Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR $80,630
    Charlottesville, VA $79,770
    Hill Country Region of Texas nonmetropolitan area $79,460
    Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $76,760
    Killeen-Temple, TX $76,100

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Home Health and Personal Care Aides $36,340
    Nursing Assistants $46,050
    Medical Assistants $46,740
    Dental Assistants $47,570
    Phlebotomists $48,000
    Massage Therapists $61,590

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Occupational Therapy Assistants make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chicago, IL-IN is $30.75, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $39.69 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries?

    The median Occupational Therapy Assistants salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 6.4% below the national median of $68,340. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chicago?

    Entry-level Occupational Therapy Assistants (10th percentile) earn around $49,690 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $62,620.