Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Mount Prospect, IL: $47.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Mount Prospect, IL runs $47.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,531 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Mount Prospect's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,718 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Mount Prospect, Illinois, can expect a median hourly rate of $47.85 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly pay of $49.71, indicating a competitive yet unique economic environment for OTs in the region. The hourly wage provides flexibility for part-time therapists working three days a week, allowing them to earn a respectable income while balancing other commitments. For entry-level OTs, hourly pay starts around $33.19, while experienced clinicians can earn up to $61.97. This wide range reflects positions available in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms, where part-time and per-diem workers may thrive in their professional roles.
About the Mount Prospect 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) | $33.19 | $265.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Median (P50) | $47.85 | $382.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.43 | $443.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.97 | $495.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mount Prospect
Based on $47.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.85/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mount Prospect, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,530 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,421. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mount Prospect.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mount Prospect
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,914.03 | $8,294 | $99,530 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,148.42 | $4,976 | $59,718 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $765.61 | $3,318 | $39,812 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Mount Prospect) | $47.85 |
| 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 Mount Prospect, IL earn a median of $99,531 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.74% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.85/hr = $59,718/year (purchasing power: $61,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,530/year (purchasing power: $102,502).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Mount Prospect (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mount Prospect grew 18.1% from $39.31/hr (2019) to $46.43/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.31/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 Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect
When considering part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist in Mount Prospect working 24 hours per week would take home approximately $37,056 annually, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings that could reach around $99,531. Per diem occupational therapists tend to command higher billing rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while CHT-credentialed therapists can even achieve rates of $80 to $110 per hour in specialized cash-pay practices. Variations in pay are influenced by employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates compared to outpatient hand therapy clinics or school contracts. Some therapists accept reduced hourly pay for the stability of health insurance benefits, while others may prefer higher compensation for independent work. For those negotiating their rates in Mount Prospect, knowing the local market and understanding employer expectations is crucial, especially in a competitive field where a higher hourly rate may offset the absence of benefits or job security.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Mount Prospect in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Mount Prospect?
Are occupational therapists in Mount Prospect paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Mount Prospect?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Mount Prospect?
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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 Mount Prospect. 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 Mount Prospect 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