Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $45.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Downers Grove, IL runs $45.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,002 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,004 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, IL, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $45.68 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.71, revealing a regional difference in compensation that may impact local professionals. For occupational therapists seeking part-time roles, such as those working three days a week at 24 hours total, this rate translates into a competitive yet modest income compared to full-time peers. The hourly pay ranges from $34.46 for entry-level positions to $59.61 for experienced therapists. Common practice settings in Downers Grove include hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics, where these therapists can find flexible schedules and opportunities for per-diem work.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $34.46 | $275.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.39 | $307.12 |
| Median (P50) | $45.68 | $365.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.32 | $426.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.61 | $476.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $45.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.68/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $95,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,811. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,827.05 | $7,917 | $95,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,096.23 | $4,750 | $57,004 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $730.82 | $3,167 | $38,003 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Downers Grove) | $45.68 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $95,002 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.12% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,583.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.68/hr = $57,004/year (purchasing power: $58,706).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,006/year (purchasing power: $97,844).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Downers Grove grew 18.1% from $37.53/hr (2019) to $44.32/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.07/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
An occupational therapist who commits to a part-time schedule can expect their annual income to vary significantly compared to a full-time occupational therapist. Often, per diem occupational therapist pay in Downers Grove ranges between $50 and $75 per hour, allowing for robust earning potential for those who opt for greater flexibility. For hand therapists with CHT certification, it is not unusual to command rates of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Employer types in Downers Grove, such as skilled nursing facilities or home health agencies, can influence hourly wages substantially; some may offer lower pay with comprehensive benefits, which can be an effective trade-off for therapists contemplating their long-term financial health. Effective negotiation in this market is crucial; pursuing additional credentials like a CHT can augment hourly rates significantly, ensuring that OTs are well compensated for their expertise.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Downers Grove?
Are occupational therapists in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Downers Grove?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
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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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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