Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rockford, IL: $54,953 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953, which is $8,504 below the Illinois state average of $63,457. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $54,953 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $67,016 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Rockford spans from $35,280 at the 10th percentile to $77,280 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $73,920. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,920 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-7,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$55,440

$-10,560 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$73,920

$-14,080 vs national

Percentile	Rockford	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$35,280	$40,740	$42,000
25th Percentile	$43,680	$50,440	$52,000
Median (50th)	$54,953	$63,457	$65,420
75th Percentile	$67,200	$77,600	$80,000
90th Percentile	$77,280	$89,240	$92,000

Percentile

Rockford

10th Percentile

$35,280

25th Percentile

$43,680

Median (50th)

$54,953

75th Percentile

$67,200

90th Percentile

$77,280

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Rockford

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rockford

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Rockford, IL? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Rockford, Illinois is $54,953 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $35,280 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Rockford? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $54,953, a occupational therapy assistant in Rockford earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Rockford's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $63,457. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼

Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $54,953 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Rockford? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Rockford require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Rockford, Illinois