Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Joliet, IL: $47.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Joliet, IL runs $47.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,935 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Joliet's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,358 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Joliet, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $47.56, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This compensation translates well for those seeking part-time or per-diem work, given that many OTs in Joliet operate within varied settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and home health. The range of hourly pay extends from approximately $34.14 for entry-level positions to about $63.53 for experienced practitioners, creating opportunities for professionals at different stages in their careers. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, allowing for a clearer understanding of how compensation corresponds to common work arrangements in the field.
About the Joliet 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) | $34.14 | $273.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.00 | $311.98 |
| Median (P50) | $47.56 | $380.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.91 | $447.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.53 | $508.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Joliet
Based on $47.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.56/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Joliet, IL can expect to earn approximately $98,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,075. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Joliet.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Joliet
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,902.49 | $8,244 | $98,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,141.49 | $4,946 | $59,358 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $761.00 | $3,298 | $39,572 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Joliet) | $47.56 |
| 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 Joliet, IL earn a median of $98,935 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.32% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,532.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.56/hr = $59,358/year (purchasing power: $61,130).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,929/year (purchasing power: $101,884).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Joliet grew 18.1% from $39.08/hr (2019) to $46.15/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.02/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 Joliet 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 Joliet
In terms of part-time earnings, an occupational therapist working three days a week, or roughly 24 hours, would take home approximately $49,000 annually, compared to a full-time professional. Moreover, per diem occupational therapist pay in Joliet can be quite attractive, with many practitioners billing between $50 and $75 per hour; those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential might command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour. The pay varies across employer types, with OTs in skilled nursing facilities generally earning less than their counterparts in outpatient clinics or home health settings. Choosing to work for agencies or as a locum can lead to variable weekly pay of $1,800 to $2,800, reflecting the flexibility in practice settings. Therapists often face a benefits trade-off when considering hourly rates; accepting lower pay can come with health insurance and retirement benefits, while higher hourly wages may lack such perks. Negotiation remains a key skill—understanding the local market and being informed about what similar professionals earn can provide leverage in discussions about hourly rates.
More salary data for Joliet, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Joliet in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Joliet?
Are occupational therapists in Joliet paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Joliet?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Joliet?
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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 Joliet. 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 Joliet 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