Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lake in the Hills, IL: $46.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lake in the Hills, IL runs $46.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,389 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lake in the Hills's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,432 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lake in the Hills, Illinois, the projected median hourly rate for occupational therapists stands at $46.82 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly figure can significantly impact those working part-time, such as a professional committing to three days a week, allowing them to manage their work-life balance while still earning a competitive wage. For per-diem occupational therapists, the typical settings—including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics—allow for flexible schedules that contribute positively to the work experience. Most occupational therapists in the area can expect to earn between $33.33 (at the 10th percentile) and $61.58 (at the 90th percentile), providing a spectrum of earning possibilities as they advance in their careers.
About the Lake in the Hills 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) | $33.33 | $266.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.92 | $303.33 |
| Median (P50) | $46.82 | $374.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.29 | $418.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.58 | $492.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake in the Hills
Based on $46.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.82/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake in the Hills, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,386 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,184. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lake in the Hills.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake in the Hills
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,872.81 | $8,115 | $97,386 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,123.68 | $4,869 | $58,432 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $749.12 | $3,246 | $38,954 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lake in the Hills) | $46.82 |
| 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 Lake in the Hills, IL earn a median of $97,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $99,579.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.82/hr = $58,432/year (purchasing power: $60,177).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,386/year (purchasing power: $100,294).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lake in the Hills (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lake in the Hills grew 18.1% from $38.47/hr (2019) to $45.43/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.25/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 Lake in the Hills 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 Lake in the Hills
Examining the earning potential reveals much about the profession's dynamics in Lake in the Hills. A part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week may take home around $58,529 annually, which demonstrates a noteworthy difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem options further illustrate this landscape; many therapists working in this capacity can charge between $50 and $75 per hour, while those with CHT credentials may command $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay settings. Hourly rates also vary significantly depending on employment settings: skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or mental health agencies, which might offer more competitive packages. Occupational therapists often make the choice between higher hourly rates without benefits or a lower hourly pay that includes health insurance, making negotiations crucial. When discussing terms, therapists in Lake in the Hills should consider highlighting their unique skills, certifications, and the added value they bring to prospective employers.
More salary data for Lake in the Hills, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lake in the Hills in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lake in the Hills?
Are occupational therapists in Lake in the Hills paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lake in the Hills?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lake in the Hills?
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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 Lake in the Hills. 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 Lake in the Hills 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