Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $44.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bloomington, IL runs $44.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,692 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, Illinois, occupational therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $44.62, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly wage provides a solid income for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week, which translates to roughly $3,000 a month before taxes and deductions. Per-diem occupational therapists, who often work in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics, have the flexibility to adjust their schedules according to demand. For entry-level positions, hourly earnings start from approximately $31.40, while more experienced therapists can make $59.42 or more, reflecting the high demand for specialized skills in occupational therapy, especially in pediatric and rehabilitative settings. According to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, these figures illustrate a competitive landscape for occupational therapist hourly pay in Bloomington, IL.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.40 | $251.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.60 | $308.77 |
| Median (P50) | $44.62 | $357.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $50.03 | $400.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.42 | $475.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $44.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.62/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $92,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,550. With a cost-of-living index of 93.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,785.00 | $7,735 | $92,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,071.00 | $4,641 | $55,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $714.00 | $3,094 | $37,128 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bloomington) | $44.62 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $92,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.24% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,588.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.62/hr = $55,692/year (purchasing power: $59,540).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,820/year (purchasing power: $99,233).
CoL index: 93.537 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bloomington grew 4.6% from $41.41/hr (2019) to $43.30/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.99/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
When analyzing the earning potential for occupational therapists, part-time professionals working 24 hours per week can expect annual take-home payments that differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. While a full-time occupational therapist might secure a stable income, many part-time and per-diem therapists choose flexibility over a traditional salary. In Bloomington, per diem rates for occupational therapists typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists earning even more—between $80 and $110 in cash-pay environments. Travel contracts present another lucrative avenue, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800, reflecting various employer types from skilled nursing facilities to outpatient therapy clinics. Many therapists face the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that offer health insurance. Negotiating effectively in this market requires understanding individual value and the nuances of different job offers, emphasizing the importance of knowing the specific hourly rates and benefits available through various employers in the region.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bloomington in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bloomington?
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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 Bloomington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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