Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Springfield, IL: $50.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Springfield, IL runs $50.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,956 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Springfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,576 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, Springfield, Illinois, is projected to have an occupational therapist hourly pay of $50.94, which surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate offers an appealing option for part-time workers or those seeking per diem positions, who may operate across various settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient hand therapy clinics. With an hourly range extending from $34.87 for entry-level positions to $68.06 for the most experienced therapists, Springfield presents opportunities for OTs to find a balance that suits their professional and personal needs. This data comes from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, suggesting that the local labor market is favorable for occupational therapists.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34.87 | $278.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.54 | $324.35 |
| Median (P50) | $50.94 | $407.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56.17 | $449.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.06 | $544.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Springfield
Based on $50.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.94/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Springfield, IL can expect to earn approximately $105,961 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,131. With a cost-of-living index of 92.75 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Springfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Springfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,037.70 | $8,830 | $105,961 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,222.62 | $5,298 | $63,576 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $815.08 | $3,532 | $42,384 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Springfield) | $50.94 |
| 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 Springfield, IL earn a median of $105,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.47% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 6.40% above the Illinois state average of $99,583.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.94/hr = $63,576/year (purchasing power: $68,550).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,961/year (purchasing power: $114,249).
CoL index: 92.745 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.43/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+44.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Springfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.43/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Springfield grew 35.8% from $36.39/hr (2019) to $49.43/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.50/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 Springfield 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 Springfield
When examining part-time opportunities, an occupational therapist in Springfield working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, might expect an annual income of approximately $39,918. In contrast, those working full-time could earn significantly more. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Springfield typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with hand therapies led by CHT credential holders potentially earning $80 to $110. Additionally, travel contracts often yield weekly payments between $1,800 to $2,800. Differences in hourly rates can be notable among employer types; skilled nursing facilities and mental health agencies often offer lower wages compared to outpatient clinics. However, many OTs might accept lower hourly rates for roles that provide benefits, weighing financial security against the desire for higher pay without benefits. For negotiating hourly rates, it's vital to consider your specialty credentials and be prepared to articulate your value in the local job market.
More salary data for Springfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Springfield in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Springfield?
Are occupational therapists in Springfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Springfield?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Springfield?
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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 Springfield. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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