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Occupational Therapy Assistant information

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$16

$28

$45

How much do occupational therapy assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for occupational therapy assistant in Normal, IL is $28.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.42 and $32.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an occupational therapy assistant do?

An Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) works under the supervision of an occupational therapist to help patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. OTAs assist with implementing treatment plans, teaching patients how to use adaptive equipment, and documenting progress. They work with individuals of all ages who may have physical, developmental, or emotional challenges, helping them achieve greater independence.

What does an occupational therapy assistant do?

Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) work with Occupational Therapists (OT) to help patients with disabilities to develop skills for daily living. They work with patients to complete activities, use helpful tools and devices, and practice skills and positive behaviors. They also help facilitate sessions by setting up, transporting patients, and completing administrative tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an occupational therapy assistant?

To thrive as an Occupational Therapy Assistant, you need an associate degree from an accredited OTA program, state licensure, and a solid understanding of anatomy, therapeutic techniques, and patient care. Familiarity with electronic health records (EHRs), adaptive equipment, and rehabilitation software is often required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and adaptability help build rapport with clients and support effective therapy delivery. These skills and qualifications enable OTAs to provide high-quality care, support patient progress, and work efficiently within healthcare teams.

What are some common challenges occupational therapy assistants face when working with diverse patient populations?

Occupational Therapy Assistants often work with individuals of varying ages, backgrounds, and medical conditions, which can present challenges in communication and adapting therapeutic approaches. It's important to be flexible and creative when tailoring interventions to meet each patient's unique needs and cultural preferences. Additionally, balancing a busy caseload while ensuring personalized care for each client requires strong organizational and time-management skills. Collaborating closely with occupational therapists and other healthcare professionals is key to overcoming these challenges and providing effective patient support.

What is the difference between Occupational Therapy Assistant vs Physical Therapy Assistant?

AspectOccupational Therapy AssistantPhysical Therapy Assistant
CredentialsAssociate's degree in occupational therapy assisting, certification requiredAssociate's degree in physical therapy assisting, licensure or certification required
Work EnvironmentHospitals, clinics, schools, rehabilitation centersHospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, sports facilities
Employer & Industry UsageHealthcare providers focusing on daily living skillsHealthcare providers focusing on mobility and physical function

Both roles support patient recovery but focus on different aspects: Occupational Therapy Assistants help patients regain daily living skills, while Physical Therapy Assistants focus on improving mobility and physical function. They often work together in healthcare settings to provide comprehensive care.

Is being an occupational therapy assistant worth it?

Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) support licensed occupational therapists in helping patients develop or recover daily living and work skills. The role offers steady employment, a median annual salary around $62,000, and opportunities to work in hospitals, clinics, or schools, often requiring certification and strong interpersonal skills. Job satisfaction depends on working with diverse populations and the ability to make a positive impact on patients' lives.

Where do occupational therapy assistants get paid the most?

Occupational therapy assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a higher cost of living and greater demand for healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas and states with robust healthcare industries. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized settings can also influence salary levels.
More about Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Normal, IL?

The most popular types of Occupational Therapy jobs in Normal, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Normal, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs in Normal, IL are:

What cities near Normal, IL are hiring for Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs?

Cities near Normal, IL with the most Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings:

Occupational Therapy Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Occupational Therapy Assistant job openings in Normal, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 36% Full Time, and 64% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $60,116 per year, or $28.9 per hour.

Certified - Occupational Therapy Assistant

McLean County Unit District No. 5

Normal, IL • On-site

$39K - $57K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

McLean County Unit District No. 5
JOB DESCRIPTION
Position Title:   Certified  - Occupational Therapy Assistant
Location:          TBD 
Department:     Building Personnel
Reports to:       Building Principal / Assistant Principal and Director of Special Education
FLSA Class:     Exempt
FTE:                 1.0







SUMMARY

Responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant, working under the supervision of a licensed occupational therapist, include addressing the physical/motor, developmental, and sensory needs of students to support their participation in school routines and daily school activities, support access to their environment and education, and facilitate their achievement of maximum independence with school-based occupations.  


DUTIES
 

  1. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate an understanding of school-based occupational therapy services and legalities, occupational therapy theories, models of practice, principles, evidence-based practice, human development, and sensory processing as well as knowledge and appreciation of the influence of disabilities, socio-cultural, and socioeconomic factors on a student's ability to participate in occupations.
  2. The school occupational therapy assistant shall deliver services under the supervision of and in partnership with occupational therapists and actively participate in the supervisory process.
  3. The school occupational therapy assistant shall collaborate with the supervising occupational therapists and use effective clinical decision making to assist with the development of the IEP, treatment plan, and service provision.
  4. The school occupational therapy assistant shall deliver direct and consultation treatment minutes as indicated on the IEP, demonstrating the ability to select, adapt, grade, and sequence relevant occupations and purposeful activities that support intervention goals.
  5. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate effective and professional oral and written communication.  Documentation shall be timely, thorough, accurate, and organized to ensure accountability of service provision and to meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriate
  6. The school occupational therapy assistant shall demonstrate skill in the areas of environmental and task analysis, modifications/adaptations, and adaptive equipment/assistive technology supports to aid in ensuring adequate access and maximal independence for student participation in school activities and educational programs.
  7. The school occupational therapy assistant shall report and discuss student status and progress in a concise and professional manner during team meetings.
  8. The school occupational therapy assistant shall work collaboratively with educational personnel, parents, students, and community agencies to support student success and address the needs of students.
  9. The school occupational therapy assistant shall assist as needed with education and training to school personnel, parents, and students to support students' ability to perform and engage in school related occupations. This may be on an individual basis, or on a larger scale such as in-service training.
  10. The school occupational therapy assistant caseload assignments can include students ranging in age from 3 through 21 with a variety of disabilities/diagnoses. Assignments are subject to change. The assignment can include working with students in general education and/or various levels of self-contained or specialized classrooms and programs.
  11. The school occupational therapy assistant shall attend and actively participate in staff meetings, in-service training, professional development activities, and continuing education courses as appropriate and required for the purposes of maintaining licensure and strengthening therapeutic skills.
  12. The school occupational therapy assistant shall perform all duties necessary to the position and such other duties as may be assigned by supervising therapists or the Director of Special Education.


QUALIFICATIONS

  1.  Completion and graduation from an accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant program
  2. Passing national certification examination through NBCOT
  3. Current State of Illinois licensure as an Occupational Therapy Assistant

COMPENSATION

Fully Board Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision available.
The starting pay range is $39,000-$57,000 per year.
 


APPLICATION PROCEDURE
Apply Online at www.unit5.org


INTERNAL APPLICANTS WISHING TO TRANSFER SHOULD APPLY ONLINE AND USE THE INTERNAL APPLICATION



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