Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $46.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Plainfield, IL runs $46.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,284 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Plainfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.68 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,776 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Plainfield, Illinois, earn a median hourly rate of $46.29. When compared to the national hourly median of $49.71, this indicates a slight gap, suggesting that local market dynamics may influence compensation levels. Many occupational therapists work part-time, often on a 3-day workweek, allowing for flexibility while still earning a robust wage. This hourly pay translates into various typical settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly wage range varies significantly as well, starting at around $35.74 for entry-level positions and climbing to an impressive $59.97 for the top earners in the field. It is essential to recognize that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary projections, reflecting the competitive environment occupational therapists face in Plainfield.
About the Plainfield 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) | $35.74 | $285.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.66 | $317.26 |
| Median (P50) | $46.29 | $370.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.78 | $430.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.97 | $479.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
Based on $46.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.29/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Plainfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $96,293 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,553. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,851.78 | $8,024 | $96,293 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,111.07 | $4,815 | $57,776 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $740.71 | $3,210 | $38,517 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Plainfield) | $46.29 |
| 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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $96,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.88% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $99,570.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.29/hr = $57,776/year (purchasing power: $59,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,293/year (purchasing power: $99,169).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Plainfield grew 18.1% from $38.03/hr (2019) to $44.92/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.71/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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist on a 3-day week schedule, equating to 24 hours, can expect a considerable take-home compared to full-time counterparts, though it will be less than a full-time salary. For per diem occupational therapists in Plainfield, billing rates typically range from $50 to $75 per hour, significantly impacting overall earning potential. Highly specialized therapists, such as those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, can command higher rates, often ranging from $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Hourly rates can differ based on the employer type; skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and early intervention programs often have distinct pay scales. Occupational therapists sometimes weigh the benefits package against hourly pay, opting for lower rates while obtaining health insurance. For those entering the workforce, understanding negotiation tactics specific to hourly roles can prove valuable. Seeking compensation that reflects experience and certification can enhance their occupational therapist hourly pay in Plainfield, IL.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Plainfield?
Are occupational therapists in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Plainfield?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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