Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Aurora, IL: $47.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Aurora, IL runs $47.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,332 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,997 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapist is $47.27, which falls below the national median of $49.71. This wage provides a solid foundation for occupational therapists working part-time or in per-diem roles, particularly in various settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For example, a part-time therapist working three days a week could expect to earn around $24,000 annually if they maintain a schedule of 24 hours per week. The hourly pay range for occupational therapists in Aurora varies significantly, from an entry-level wage of $33.48 to an upper limit of $62.56 for top earners, reflecting diverse experience levels and specialties within the field.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.48 | $267.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.40 | $299.20 |
| Median (P50) | $47.27 | $378.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.22 | $441.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.56 | $500.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $47.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.27/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,329 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,728. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,890.94 | $8,194 | $98,329 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,134.57 | $4,916 | $58,997 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $756.38 | $3,278 | $39,332 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Aurora) | $47.27 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Aurora, IL earn a median of $98,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.90% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.30% below the Illinois state average of $99,627.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.27/hr = $58,997/year (purchasing power: $60,760).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,329/year (purchasing power: $101,266).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.72/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Aurora grew 18.1% from $38.84/hr (2019) to $45.87/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.72/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aurora metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Aurora
Shifting to the realities of the occupational therapist hourly rate in IL, many professionals find that part-time positions can limit their overall earnings compared to full-time work. When examining per-diem opportunities, occupational therapists frequently command a billing rate between $50 and $75 per hour, while credentials like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can elevate rates to $80-$110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts further enhance earning potential, with some therapists making between $1,800 and $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates differ across various employer types in Aurora, such as skilled nursing facilities or school districts, presenting a trade-off between higher pay with fewer benefits and lower pay accompanied by robust health insurance. Those negotiating for hourly rates might consider emphasizing their advanced credentials, such as ACOTE accreditation, in an increasingly competitive market, especially as the field transitions toward entry-level doctoral programs by 2027.
More salary data for Aurora, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Aurora?
Are occupational therapists in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Aurora?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Aurora. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aurora is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov