Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Palatine, IL: $47.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Palatine, IL runs $47.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Palatine's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,859 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Palatine, IL, can expect a median hourly pay of $47.96 in 2026, which is slightly lower than the national median of $49.71. This compensation reflects the local market conditions and provides a solid base for professionals working in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and home health visits. For those in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, the hourly pay allows for a flexible schedule while still being financially viable. The salary range for occupational therapists in Palatine spans from approximately $33.27 for entry-level professionals to about $62.49 for the most experienced therapists. These hourly estimates, derived from annual salaries, highlight a potential for stable income whether one is seeking per-diem opportunities or pursuing dedicated placements in outpatient therapy clinics.
About the Palatine 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) | $33.27 | $266.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.48 | $307.86 |
| Median (P50) | $47.96 | $383.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.63 | $445.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.49 | $499.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Palatine
Based on $47.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.96/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Palatine, IL can expect to earn approximately $99,765 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,557. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Palatine.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Palatine
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.56 | $8,314 | $99,765 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,151.14 | $4,988 | $59,859 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.43 | $3,326 | $39,906 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Palatine) | $47.96 |
| 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 Palatine, IL earn a median of $99,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.51% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.20% above the Illinois state average of $99,576.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.96/hr = $59,859/year (purchasing power: $61,647).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,765/year (purchasing power: $102,745).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Palatine (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.43/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Palatine grew 18.1% from $39.41/hr (2019) to $46.54/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.43/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 Palatine 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 Palatine
A part-time occupational therapist in Palatine, working 24 hours a week, could earn around $37,057 yearly, a significant difference compared to full-time roles. For those exploring per diem or agency work, compensation typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists potentially earning even more—between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts present an additional opportunity for lucrative pay, often ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Hourly rates can vary significantly across employer types in Palatine; settings such as skilled nursing facilities may offer lower wages compared to specialized outpatient clinics or mental health facilities, where the demand for OT can drive higher pay. Therapists must weigh the trade-offs of hourly wage versus benefits, as some may prefer a lower hourly pay for the security of health insurance. For successful negotiation, it's essential for occupational therapists to understand market rates in their area and express the added value they bring, especially if they hold specialized credentials like CHT.
More salary data for Palatine, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Palatine in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Palatine?
Are occupational therapists in Palatine paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Palatine?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Palatine?
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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 Palatine. 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 Palatine 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