Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hoffman Estates, IL: $47.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hoffman Estates, IL runs $47.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,208 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hoffman Estates's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hoffman Estates, Illinois, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $47.70 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate can provide substantial earnings, especially for part-time and per-diem therapists working in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the hourly pay translates into significant income over the year, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $32.83 per hour and experienced therapists earning up to $61.58 per hour. This range allows occupational therapists to find a role that aligns with their career ambitions and lifestyle choices while also considering the projected annual salary estimates for budgeting purposes.
About the Hoffman Estates 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) | $32.83 | $262.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.93 | $303.41 |
| Median (P50) | $47.70 | $381.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.98 | $439.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.58 | $492.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hoffman Estates
Based on $47.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.70/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hoffman Estates, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,235. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hoffman Estates.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hoffman Estates
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,907.85 | $8,267 | $99,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,144.71 | $4,960 | $59,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $763.14 | $3,307 | $39,683 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hoffman Estates) | $47.70 |
| 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 Hoffman Estates, IL earn a median of $99,208 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.05% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.40% below the Illinois state average of $99,606.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.70/hr = $59,525/year (purchasing power: $61,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,208/year (purchasing power: $102,171).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hoffman Estates (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.16/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hoffman Estates grew 18.1% from $39.19/hr (2019) to $46.28/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.16/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 Hoffman Estates 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 Hoffman Estates
When looking further into the earning potential of an occupational therapist in Hoffman Estates, it becomes clear that those who choose to work part-time or take on per-diem roles can have varied financial outcomes. For instance, a therapist working 24 hours weekly may earn significantly less than a full-time counterpart, but the flexibility does allow for a work-life balance that many seek. Per-diem positions can present lucrative opportunities, with rates often billed between $50 and $75 per hour; those with specialty certifications, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), can command rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different employer types significantly influence earnings, as skilled nursing facilities might offer lower hourly rates compared to outpatient therapy clinics. Therapists may also weigh the benefits of health insurance and job security against higher pay without benefits in certain roles. As such, negotiation becomes key for those entering the workforce or transitioning roles in Hoffman Estates, as knowing the market rates of different facilities can lead to better compensation packages tailored to their needs.
More salary data for Hoffman Estates, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hoffman Estates in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hoffman Estates?
Are occupational therapists in Hoffman Estates paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hoffman Estates?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hoffman Estates?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Hoffman Estates. 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 Hoffman Estates 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