Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bolingbrook, IL: $48.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bolingbrook, IL runs $48.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,533 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bolingbrook's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,322 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapist hourly pay in Bolingbrook, IL, offers a competitive median of $48.34, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate can provide a stable income for those working part-time or in per-diem positions, a common scenario in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For example, a part-time therapist working three days a week might find their ability to manipulate their schedule beneficial, especially in roles that require flexibility. The hourly earnings range from $32.70 for entry-level positions to $61.94 for experienced professionals, reflecting the demand for skilled occupational therapists within the community and the overall job market in Illinois.
About the Bolingbrook 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) | $32.70 | $261.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.06 | $328.47 |
| Median (P50) | $48.34 | $386.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.45 | $443.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $61.94 | $495.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bolingbrook
Based on $48.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.34/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bolingbrook, IL can expect to earn approximately $100,537 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,002. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bolingbrook.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bolingbrook
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,933.41 | $8,378 | $100,537 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,160.04 | $5,027 | $60,322 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $773.36 | $3,351 | $40,215 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bolingbrook) | $48.34 |
| 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 Bolingbrook, IL earn a median of $100,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% above the Illinois state average of $99,538.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.34/hr = $60,322/year (purchasing power: $62,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,537/year (purchasing power: $103,540).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bolingbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.81/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bolingbrook grew 18.1% from $39.71/hr (2019) to $46.90/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.81/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 Bolingbrook 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 Bolingbrook
In terms of financial outcomes, a part-time occupational therapist working 24 hours per week in Bolingbrook could expect to earn around $41,686 annually, significantly lower than a full-time counterpart; however, this leads to a favorable work-life balance. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapist pay in Bolingbrook typically ranges between $50 and $75 hourly, while specialized hand therapists can command up to $110 in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel contracts for occupational therapists can offer lucrative pay, sometimes reaching $2,800 per week. Occupational therapists should also keep in mind the variations in hourly rates based on employer type; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower rates compared to outpatient clinics or early intervention programs. The trade-off between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates with health insurance is a common consideration, leading to strategic negotiations for roles that may come with added perks. As such, it is essential for OTs in Bolingbrook to be informed and clear about their worth in the job market, ensuring they make decisions aligned with their professional and personal goals.
More salary data for Bolingbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bolingbrook in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bolingbrook?
Are occupational therapists in Bolingbrook paid hourly or salary?
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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 Bolingbrook. 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 Bolingbrook 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