Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Cicero, IL: $46.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Cicero, IL runs $46.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,385 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Cicero's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,827 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cicero, Illinois, the median hourly pay for an occupational therapist stands at $46.34, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate is significant for those contemplating part-time work, such as three days a week, or per-diem positions, providing flexibility in a profession typically centered in hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, home health visits, and outpatient clinics. For therapists entering the field, hourly wages can start as low as $33.48, while seasoned professionals can command rates up to $60.11 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and illustrate the potential earning spectrum in Cicero for occupational therapists.
About the Cicero 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) | $33.48 | $267.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.04 | $304.32 |
| Median (P50) | $46.34 | $370.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.59 | $428.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.11 | $480.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cicero
Based on $46.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.34/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cicero, IL can expect to earn approximately $96,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,603. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cicero.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cicero
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,853.43 | $8,032 | $96,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,112.06 | $4,819 | $57,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $741.37 | $3,213 | $38,551 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Cicero) | $46.34 |
| 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 Cicero, IL earn a median of $96,385 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.78% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.20% below the Illinois state average of $99,571.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.34/hr = $57,827/year (purchasing power: $59,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,378/year (purchasing power: $99,257).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cicero grew 18.1% from $38.07/hr (2019) to $44.96/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.75/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 Cicero 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 Cicero
Analyzing the earning potential further reveals that part-time occupational therapists working 24 hours a week in Cicero can take home an annual income that is considerably less than their full-time counterparts. For those pursuing per-diem opportunities, billing rates often range from $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists in certain settings earning between $80 and $110 per hour. Travel contracts can be even more lucrative, with weekly payments reaching between $1,800 and $2,800. The range of hourly rates varies significantly based on the employer; institutions like skilled nursing facilities or hospital inpatient rehab may offer lower wages compared to outpatient therapy clinics or specialized programs. Therapists frequently weigh the pros and cons of accepting lower hourly rates that come with benefits versus higher pay without. It’s advisable for occupational therapists in Cicero to develop negotiation skills, particularly for hourly work, emphasizing their value and certification in discussions about pay.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cicero in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Cicero?
Are occupational therapists in Cicero paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Cicero?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Cicero?
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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 Cicero. 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 Cicero 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