Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $46.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in DeKalb, IL runs $46.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,820 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,493 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in DeKalb, Illinois, is projected to be $46.07, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.71 per hour. This discrepancy is significant for professionals considering part-time work; spending three days a week in various therapy settings—such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics—can influence overall earnings. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $35.40 hourly, while experienced professionals, especially those with specialized skills such as hand therapy, may command up to $60.88 an hour. These hourly rates are derived from annual salaries, with the expected range reflecting the diversity in experience and specialization within the profession.
About the DeKalb 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) | $35.40 | $283.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.20 | $313.63 |
| Median (P50) | $46.07 | $368.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.53 | $412.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.88 | $487.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $46.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.07/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $95,821 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,281. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,842.71 | $7,985 | $95,821 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,105.63 | $4,791 | $57,493 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $737.09 | $3,194 | $38,328 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (DeKalb) | $46.07 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $95,820 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.33% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,605.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.07/hr = $57,493/year (purchasing power: $59,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,821/year (purchasing power: $98,683).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in DeKalb grew 18.1% from $37.85/hr (2019) to $44.70/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.48/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
Working part-time as an occupational therapist in DeKalb allows for a flexible lifestyle but impacts annual earnings significantly. For instance, a part-time therapist working a 24-hour week would take home approximately $57,745 annually, compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem occupational therapist pay in DeKalb often varies widely; many therapists bill between $50 to $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed hand therapists can command $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Additionally, those opting for travel contracts may see earnings from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The type of employer plays a substantial role in hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics typically offering different compensation structures. Occupational therapists must weigh benefits like health insurance against higher hourly rates that lack these perks. When negotiating, emphasize local demand for services and stay aware of the value of advanced credentials such as the CHT, which can make a notable difference in earning potential in DeKalb, IL.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in DeKalb?
Are occupational therapists in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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