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Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salary in Illinois

How much does an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA make in Illinois?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA in Illinois is $70,647 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,491
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $63,738 to $77,894
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $57,447
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $63,738 10% $57,447 90% $84,491 75% $77,894 $70,647 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,894 $6,491 $1,498 $37
Average $70,647 $5,887 $1,359 $34
25th Percentile $63,738 $5,311 $1,226 $31
Check out Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Job Openings in Illinois
Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Aegis Therapies - Marion, IL

Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Aegis Therapies - Dixon, IL

Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Aegis Therapies - Centralia, IL

Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

Aegis Therapies - Mattoon, IL

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Key Factors That Influence Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salaries

An Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $61,854
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $63,064
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $65,552
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $65,819
  • Expert (over 8 years): $65,996
Levels Salary
Entry Level Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA$61,854
Intermediate Level Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA$63,064
Senior Level Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA$65,552
Specialist Level Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA$65,819
Expert Level Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA$65,996
$61,854 0 yr
$63,064 < 2 yrs
$65,552 2-4 yrs
$65,819 5-8 yrs
$65,996 > 8 yrs
View as Table
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTAs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $65,122
  • Saint Peter: $65,033
  • Salem: $65,280

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA positions in Edu., Government & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$77,711$37.010%

Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$63,738
Average $70,647/year
$77,894
$5,311
Average $5,887/month
$6,491
$1,226
Average $1,359/week
$1,498
$31
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,894 $6,491 $1,498 $37
Average $70,647 $5,887 $1,359 $34
25th Percentile $63,738 $5,311 $1,226 $31

Salaries of jobs related to Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA

Find Your Next Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Occupational Therapy Assistant / COTA job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • InHome Therapy

    Chicago, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant COTA

    InHome Therapy | Chicago, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant, COTA. South Side Chicago, Illinois. We're looking for COTAs who want more freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment. ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • The Menta Education Group

    Dekalb, IL

    COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    The Menta Education Group | Dekalb, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with The Menta Group, you will work with students to help them impr... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Menta Education Group

    Machesney Park, IL

    COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    The Menta Education Group | Machesney Park, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with The Menta Education Group, you will work with students to help... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Menta Education Group

    Waukegan, IL

    COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    The Menta Education Group | Waukegan, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with The Menta Group, you will work with students to help them impr... more

    6 Days Ago

  • The Menta Education Group

    La Salle, IL

    COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    The Menta Education Group | La Salle, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with The Menta Education Group, you will work with students to help... more

    7 Days Ago

  • The Menta Education Group

    Havana, IL

    COTA Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant

    The Menta Education Group | Havana, IL

    Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant. As a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant with The Menta Education Group, you will work with students to help... more

    7 Days Ago

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