Occupational Therapy Aides Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Occupational Therapy Aides in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN make a median of $41,550 a year, or about $19.98 an hour. The range runs from $35K at the entry level to $76K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $40,110 in purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $1,781/month — about 62.8% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $42K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About occupational therapy aides
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level occupational therapy aides (10th percentile) start around $35K. Mid-career wages sit at $42K.Top earners bring in $76K or more - a $41K spread from bottom to top.
Occupational Therapy Aides pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | $73K | +97% | 200 |
| Florida | $71K | +89% | 40 |
| New Mexico | $68K | +82% | 70 |
| Nevada | $62K | +66% | N/A |
| Nebraska | $44K | +17% | 40 |
| New York | $42K | +13% | 230 |
| Virginia | $41K | +9% | 50 |
| New Jersey | $41K | +9% | N/A |
| Wisconsin | $40K | +8% | 110 |
| Massachusetts | $39K | +4% | 260 |
| California | $38K | +3% | 560 |
| Missouri | $38K | +3% | 140 |
| District of Columbia | $38K | +2% | N/A |
| Georgia | $38K | +0% | 130 |
| Michigan | $37K | -0% | 50 |
Track occupational therapy aides salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do occupational therapy aides make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $41,550 a year - that works out to about $19.98 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $35,280, and experienced occupational therapy aides can clear $76,200. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $42K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $2,781/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 64% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a occupational therapy aides salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median occupational therapy aides salary is worth about $40,110 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do occupational therapy aides get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.