Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Arlington Heights, IL: $47.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Arlington Heights, IL runs $47.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Arlington Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,792 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Arlington Heights, the projected hourly median pay for occupational therapists is $47.11, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This competitive hourly rate positions occupational therapists well whether they are working part-time (typically around three days a week) or on a per-diem basis. In various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics, this hourly pay translates into a reasonable income for those balancing work commitments with personal responsibilities. The hourly range for occupational therapists in the area varies significantly, with entry-level practitioners earning around $35.27 and experienced professionals potentially reaching up to $62.66, reflecting differences in expertise and specialization within the field. As the demand for occupational therapy services continues to grow, these salary estimates, based on 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, indicate a positive trend for practitioners in Arlington Heights.
About the Arlington Heights 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) | $35.27 | $282.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.60 | $316.77 |
| Median (P50) | $47.11 | $376.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.42 | $443.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.66 | $501.28 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Arlington Heights
Based on $47.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.11/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Arlington Heights, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,986 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,530. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Arlington Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Arlington Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,884.35 | $8,166 | $97,986 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,130.61 | $4,899 | $58,792 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $753.74 | $3,266 | $39,194 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Arlington Heights) | $47.11 |
| 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 Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $97,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.23% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,587.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.11/hr = $58,792/year (purchasing power: $60,548).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,986/year (purchasing power: $100,913).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Arlington Heights grew 18.1% from $38.70/hr (2019) to $45.71/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.55/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 Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights
Part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week can expect to earn an annual income that differs considerably from their full-time counterparts. Given the hourly wages for per diem occupational therapist pay in Arlington Heights, practitioners often benefit from more flexible schedules, although they may generally forgo benefits like health insurance. Per-diem rates typically fall between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) can command rates from $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices; travel OT contracts can also offer lucrative earnings of $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Arlington Heights, hourly rates are likely to vary depending on the type of employer—be it a school district, skilled nursing facility, or home health agency. Occupational therapists may choose lower-paying but benefits-inclusive positions over higher hourly wages without health coverage. For those negotiating their pay, it is essential to consider factors like employer type and work-life balance, emphasizing the holistic value of employment beyond just hourly compensation.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Arlington Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Arlington Heights?
Are occupational therapists in Arlington Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Arlington Heights?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Arlington Heights?
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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 Arlington Heights. 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 Arlington Heights 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