Occupational Therapy Aide salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Occupational Therapy Aides in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn a median of $43,270 a year ($20.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,740 for the top 10%. That is 10% higher than the national median of $39,160. Pay here is 13% higher than the Indiana statewide median of $38,250. There are 0.01 occupational therapy aides per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.43). The average (mean) salary is $43,350, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,260 | $19.36 |
| 25th percentile | $42,430 | $20.40 |
| Median | $43,270 | $20.81 |
| 75th percentile | $43,400 | $20.87 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $47,740 | $22.95 |
| Average (mean) | $43,350 | $20.84 |
Half of occupational therapy aides earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,605.83 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,802.92 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,664.23 |
| Weekly | $832.12 |
| Hourly | $20.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $43,270 salary, see how much house you can afford in Indiana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Aide salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $38,600 | 60 |
| Bloomington, IN | $36,860 | n/a |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
See Occupational Therapy Aide pay in every state or the Indiana statewide figures.
Related jobs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $72,230 | $34.73 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $67,840 | $32.61 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $36,730 | $17.66 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $38,180 | $18.36 |
| Nursing Assistant | $46,940 | $22.57 |
| Medical Assistant | $47,270 | $22.73 |
| Dental Assistant | $48,950 | $23.53 |
| Phlebotomist | $47,190 | $22.69 |
| Massage Therapist | $61,200 | $29.42 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $39,280 | $18.88 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $48,630 | $23.38 |
| Orderly | $39,640 | $19.06 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $48,440 | $23.29 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $37,010 | $17.79 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy aide make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area is $43,270 a year, or $20.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,260 for the lowest-paid 10% to $47,740 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area earn at least $47,740 a year. The top 25% earn $43,400 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,260 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $42,430 or less.
How many occupational therapy aides work in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
About 50 occupational therapy aides are employed in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN metro area, not counting the self-employed.