Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in O'Fallon, IL: $46.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in O'Fallon, IL runs $46.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against O'Fallon's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,200 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In O'Fallon, Illinois, the projected hourly pay for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $46.63, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. For professionals working part-time, such as those in rehabilitation settings, skilled nursing facilities, or in school therapy roles, this hourly rate allows for an annual income reflective of their scheduling choices. For instance, an occupational therapist working three days a week earns a reliable wage, even on a reduced work schedule. Entry-level positions typically start around $32.95 per hour, while experienced therapists can earn up to $60.99 per hour, depending on their skill set and specialization, such as early intervention therapy or outpatient hand therapy clinics. These projections are rooted in salary estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, converted into hourly earnings.
About the O'Fallon 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) | $32.95 | $263.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.54 | $300.36 |
| Median (P50) | $46.63 | $373.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.91 | $423.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.99 | $487.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in O'Fallon
Based on $46.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.63/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in O'Fallon, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,000 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,962. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in O'Fallon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in O'Fallon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,865.39 | $8,083 | $97,000 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,119.23 | $4,850 | $58,200 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.15 | $3,233 | $38,800 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (O'Fallon) | $46.63 |
| 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 O'Fallon, IL earn a median of $97,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.18% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,600.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.63/hr = $58,200/year (purchasing power: $59,938).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,000/year (purchasing power: $99,897).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.31/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in O'Fallon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in O'Fallon grew 18.1% from $38.31/hr (2019) to $45.25/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.06/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 O'Fallon 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 O'Fallon
Considering the earning potential for both part-time and per diem occupational therapists in O'Fallon, the financial landscape varies significantly. A part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours a week might take home around $58,074 annually, which can considerably differ from full-time earnings, typically reserved for those in more traditional employment roles. Per diem positions display promising pay scales, with occupational therapists often billing between $50 to $75 hourly. Those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation can command even more, achieving rates of $80 to $110 per hour in specialized cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracts can provide substantial financial incentives, with weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates can also fluctuate based on factors such as employer type; O'Fallon offers opportunities across skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab, and school contracts, each presenting different compensation structures. While some therapists may choose lower hourly rates for the added benefit of health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay with agency roles. Understanding the nuances of negotiation specific to hourly positions plays a significant role in maximizing their income potential in O'Fallon.
More salary data for O'Fallon, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in O'Fallon in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in O'Fallon?
Are occupational therapists in O'Fallon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in O'Fallon?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in O'Fallon?
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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 O'Fallon. 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 O'Fallon 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