Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Oak Lawn, IL: $46.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Oak Lawn, IL runs $46.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,031 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Oak Lawn's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,213 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, an occupational therapist in Oak Lawn, Illinois, earns a median hourly pay of $46.64. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $49.71, suggesting that while local opportunities exist, they might come with a trade-off compared to other regions. For part-time therapists, working approximately three days a week could yield about $36,000 annually, while per-diem workers often operate effectively within a similar range, with their pay fluctuating based on demand. Entry-level occupational therapists may start closer to $34.01 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can reach upwards of $61.14 per hour in settings like inpatient rehabilitation facilities, skilled nursing units, and outpatient clinics. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary projections, impacting the wage structure seen in the field throughout Oak Lawn and emphasizing the variability inherent in part-time and per-diem roles.
About the Oak Lawn 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) | $34.01 | $272.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.64 | $301.10 |
| Median (P50) | $46.64 | $373.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.32 | $434.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.14 | $489.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Lawn
Based on $46.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.64/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Lawn, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,022 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,974. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Lawn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Lawn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,865.80 | $8,085 | $97,022 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,119.48 | $4,851 | $58,213 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $746.32 | $3,234 | $38,809 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Oak Lawn) | $46.64 |
| 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 Oak Lawn, IL earn a median of $97,031 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.16% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,621.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.64/hr = $58,213/year (purchasing power: $59,951).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,022/year (purchasing power: $99,919).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Oak Lawn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.07/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oak Lawn grew 18.1% from $38.32/hr (2019) to $45.26/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.07/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 Oak Lawn 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 Oak Lawn
Analyzing further, the part-time earning potential for an occupational therapist working 24 hours per week reinforces the decision for many professionals balancing work-life commitments. Full-time therapists can look forward to much higher annual figures, significantly altering their lifestyle choices. For those preferring per-diem arrangements, the market offers competitive rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour, particularly appealing for experienced therapists or those with specialized credentials such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), who may command between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different employment settings in Oak Lawn provide varied pay structures; for instance, school district contracts may offer lower hourly rates compared to hospital outpatient therapy roles. Some occupational therapists weigh the benefits of health insurance against the prospect of higher hourly wages, often leaning towards stability over a potentially lucrative but sporadic pay structure. When negotiating hourly pay, professionals should emphasize their unique certifications and the importance of flexibility in scheduling, reflecting a keen understanding of the local job market.
More salary data for Oak Lawn, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Oak Lawn in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Oak Lawn?
Are occupational therapists in Oak Lawn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Oak Lawn?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Lawn?
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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 Oak Lawn. 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 Oak Lawn 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