Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Woodridge, IL: $47.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Woodridge, IL runs $47.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $97,837 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Woodridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $48.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $58,702 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woodridge, Illinois, the typical compensation for an occupational therapist is projected to be around $47.04 per hour in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national average of $49.71 per hour, indicating that while local opportunities may vary, they remain competitive when considering the region's cost of living index of 97.1, which is below the national average. For those looking to work part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate opens the door to various professional settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect earnings around $33.83 an hour, while more seasoned professionals can command up to $57.72 per hour, allowing for flexibility in roles and commitment levels, whether they seek regular employment or per-diem work.
About the Woodridge 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) | $33.83 | $270.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.36 | $306.87 |
| Median (P50) | $47.04 | $376.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.80 | $422.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.72 | $461.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woodridge
Based on $47.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.04/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woodridge, IL can expect to earn approximately $97,836 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $56,444. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Woodridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woodridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,881.46 | $8,153 | $97,836 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,128.88 | $4,892 | $58,702 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $752.59 | $3,261 | $39,134 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Woodridge) | $47.04 |
| 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 Woodridge, IL earn a median of $97,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $99,529.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.04/hr = $58,702/year (purchasing power: $60,455).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $97,836/year (purchasing power: $100,758).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $42.20/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.48/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Woodridge grew 18.1% from $38.64/hr (2019) to $45.64/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.48/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 Woodridge 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 Woodridge
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist operating on a 24-hour schedule per week could expect to bring home an annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts. In contrast to the standard full-time salary, which provides benefits but generally offers lower hourly rates, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Woodridge can be much more lucrative, with many individuals billing rates between $50 to $75 per hour. Particularly, those with a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can demand even higher compensation, often reaching $80 to $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay settings. The variation in hourly rates across different employer types—such as schools, nursing homes, and home health agencies—reflects the broad landscape of occupational therapy work available. Given the trade-offs of lower hourly earnings for guaranteed benefits, it's imperative for occupational therapists in the area to negotiate effectively. Strategies like showcasing specialized skills or highlighting experience can make a significant difference in pay discussions within the Woodridge community.
More salary data for Woodridge, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Woodridge in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Woodridge?
Are occupational therapists in Woodridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Woodridge?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Woodridge?
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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 Woodridge. 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 Woodridge 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