Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Decatur, IL: $48.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Decatur, IL runs $48.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,967 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Decatur's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,579 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Decatur, IL, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at a median of $48.54, slightly below the national average of $49.71. This rate creates ample opportunity for both part-time and per-diem roles, especially as many occupational therapists work in varied settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For those opting for part-time work, averaging three days per week can lead to substantial earnings, while on a per-diem basis, therapists may adjust their workload to meet personal or financial goals, earning between $34.75 at the entry-level and up to $62.51 for top earners in the field. These hourly figures, derived from annual salary projections, indicate a dynamic range that supports flexibility and adaptability in an evolving health care environment.
About the Decatur 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) | $34.75 | $278.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.65 | $317.18 |
| Median (P50) | $48.54 | $388.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.97 | $447.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.51 | $500.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Decatur
Based on $48.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.54/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Decatur, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,966 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,250. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Decatur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Decatur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,941.65 | $8,414 | $100,966 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,164.99 | $5,048 | $60,579 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $776.66 | $3,366 | $40,386 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Decatur) | $48.54 |
| 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 Decatur, IL earn a median of $100,967 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.35% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.40% above the Illinois state average of $99,573.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.54/hr = $60,579/year (purchasing power: $62,389).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,966/year (purchasing power: $103,981).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Decatur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.03/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Decatur grew 18.1% from $39.88/hr (2019) to $47.10/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.03/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 Decatur 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 Decatur
Part-time employment for an occupational therapist in Decatur can yield a significant income, even when working just three days a week for a total of 24 hours. This choice can generate approximately $62,810 annually, compared to full-time practitioners who enjoy more stability with a higher yearly pay. Per diem opportunities abound as well; rates for agency or locum OTs typically range between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can command even higher rates of $80 to $110 per hour within cash-pay practices. Different employers present varied compensation levels, especially among skilled nursing facilities, outpatient hand therapy clinics, and school districts; these organizations often have distinct budget parameters. Negotiating hourly rates can be beneficial, particularly for those who must balance work with personal needs; accepting a lower hourly rate for the security of benefits often strikes a balance, appealing to those valuing health insurance over a higher wage without such perks. Knowing the local market can provide leverage, allowing therapists to maximize their occupational therapist hourly rate in IL effectively.
More salary data for Decatur, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Decatur in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Decatur?
Are occupational therapists in Decatur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Decatur?
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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 Decatur. 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 Decatur 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