Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Belleville, IL: $45.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Belleville, IL runs $45.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $94,978 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Belleville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,991 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For occupational therapists in Belleville, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for 2026 stands at $45.67, which is notably lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate provides a solid income for part-time and per-diem workers in various settings such as hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, and school therapy rooms. For instance, an occupational therapist working three days a week can earn approximately $3,450 monthly, making this profession viable for flexible scheduling. The hourly pay range varies from $34.43 for entry-level positions to $57.85 for those in the highest brackets, reflecting a spectrum of experience and specialization within the field. Salary estimates are derived from annual salary data, allowing a clearer understanding of what therapists can financially anticipate in their roles throughout the city.
About the Belleville 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) | $34.43 | $275.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.37 | $306.95 |
| Median (P50) | $45.67 | $365.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.39 | $419.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.85 | $462.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Belleville
Based on $45.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.67/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Belleville, IL can expect to earn approximately $94,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,799. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Belleville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Belleville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,826.64 | $7,915 | $94,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,095.98 | $4,749 | $56,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $730.65 | $3,166 | $37,994 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Belleville) | $45.67 |
| 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 Belleville, IL earn a median of $94,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,558.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.67/hr = $56,991/year (purchasing power: $58,693).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $94,985/year (purchasing power: $97,822).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Belleville grew 18.1% from $37.52/hr (2019) to $44.31/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.06/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 Belleville 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 Belleville
Part-time occupational therapists taking on a 24-hour weekly schedule in Belleville can anticipate an annual gross income of about $56,400, which allows for a balanced work-life scenario compared to their full-time counterparts. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Belleville typically falls within a range from $50 to $75 per hour, especially for those specializing in areas like hand therapy, where Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs) may command between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, often providing weekly rates between $1,800 and $2,800. However, the type of employer significantly influences hourly rates, with skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics differing in their compensation strategies. Some therapists may opt for lower hourly wages that include health benefits rather than higher pay without such perks. For those navigating salary talks, it’s beneficial to research local hiring trends while stressing any specializations like pediatric care or hand therapy, which can significantly impact negotiations.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Belleville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Belleville?
Are occupational therapists in Belleville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Belleville?
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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 Belleville. 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 Belleville 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