Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Chicago, IL: $49.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Chicago, IL runs $49.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,916 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Chicago's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.6, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $47.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,750 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Chicago, Illinois averages $49.48, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate reflects the versatility of occupational therapists who work in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For those seeking part-time opportunities, working three days a week usually translates to a solid income without the commitment of full-time hours. Moreover, the hourly range for occupational therapists in this city spans from $36.62 at the entry-level (P10) to $67.46 for top earners (P90), suggesting that a diverse pathway exists for professionals in the field based on their experience and specialization. The figures provided are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, ensuring reliability for those considering a career in occupational therapy.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.62 | $292.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.82 | $326.58 |
| Median (P50) | $49.48 | $395.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.09 | $440.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $67.46 | $539.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chicago
Based on $49.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.48/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chicago, IL can expect to earn approximately $102,917 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,375. With a cost-of-living index of 103.59 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chicago.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chicago
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,979.16 | $8,576 | $102,917 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,187.50 | $5,146 | $61,750 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $791.67 | $3,431 | $41,167 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Chicago) | $49.48 |
| 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 Chicago, IL earn a median of $102,916 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.47% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.40% above the Illinois state average of $99,532.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.48/hr = $61,750/year (purchasing power: $59,607).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,917/year (purchasing power: $99,345).
CoL index: 103.595 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$41.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$48.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $48.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chicago grew 15.9% from $41.42/hr (2019) to $48.01/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.99/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 Chicago 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 Chicago
Part-time occupational therapists in Chicago working a typical schedule of 24 hours a week can expect to take home around $61,644 annually, while those employed full-time have the potential for a substantially higher income. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Chicago averages between $50 to $75 per hour, which many professionals find appealing due to the flexibility it offers. Moreover, certified hand therapists (CHTs) may command rates ranging from $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay practices. Hourly rates often vary significantly between employer types; for instance, an occupational therapist working in skilled nursing may earn differently compared to one in a school or home health agency. While some opt for positions with lower hourly pay that provide benefits, others may prefer higher hourly wages without health insurance support. For those looking to negotiate, emphasizing special certifications like the CHT can lead to more favorable terms, particularly in a competitive job market like Chicago's.
More salary data for Chicago, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Chicago in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Chicago?
Are occupational therapists in Chicago paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Chicago?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Chicago?
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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 Chicago. 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