Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by IL Board of Healthcare
Occupational Therapy Assistant Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for occupational therapy assistant in Illinois, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Occupational Therapy Assistant in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: Degree required
- Examination: Third-party exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- Experience: Work experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$63,710 median (7% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#29 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: Degree required.
- 3. Pass the required examination: Third-party exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 63,710, Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois earn 7% below the national median of 68340. Illinois ranks #29 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$63,710Hourly estimate
$30.637% below national median
Difference: -$4,630
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationOccupational Therapy Assistant Salary Ranking
#29 of 50 statesfor Occupational Therapy Assistant median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | California | 79,420 |
| #2 | Texas | 77,910 |
| #3 | Arkansas | 77,340 |
| #4 | Maryland | 77,330 |
| #5 | Nevada | 76,450 |
Nearby States Comparison
Occupational Therapy Assistant licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $63,710 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $58,400 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $61,980 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $62,830 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $65,980 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $61,390 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audiologist | $84,520 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Chiropractor | $67,610 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Clinical Lab Technologist | $66,940 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Dental Assistant | $47,430 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois?
Illinois lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Occupational Therapy Assistants.
What education do you need to become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Illinois?
The board typically expects Degree required for Occupational Therapy Assistant licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois is 63,710. Salaries range from 47830 (10th percentile) to 77780 (90th percentile).
How does the Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois earn 7% below the national median of 68340, with a state median of 63,710.
How many Occupational Therapy Assistants work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 2230 Occupational Therapy Assistants according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Occupational Therapy Assistant license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board.
Who is the licensing agency for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.