Occupational Therapist Salary in Illinois
Based on 8K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$99,700
$47.93/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+1.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $132K
8K employed in Illinois
Occupational Therapist salary in Illinois averages $99,700 per year, which is 1% above the national average. The state currently employs approximately 7,710 occupational therapists across various healthcare settings, rehabilitation facilities, and private practices. Salaries in this field range from $73,360 to $132,180 annually, reflecting differences in experience and employment type.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Illinois, including years of experience, specialty certifications, employer type, and geographic location within the state. Healthcare facilities in major metropolitan areas like Chicago typically offer higher salaries than rural regions. Additionally, therapists working in specialized settings such as pediatric care or neurological rehabilitation may command different pay rates compared to those in general practice or school-based positions.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $73,360 |
| 25th percentile | $82,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,700 |
| 75th percentile | $109,780 |
| 90th percentile | $132,180 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,290 |
| 2023 | $97,040 |
| 2024 | $98,900 |
| 2025 | $99,700 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,506 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $93,290 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $97,040 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $98,900 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $99,700 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $100,506 | $99,553 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,700 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $109,780 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $132,180 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Occupational Therapist ($99,700 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiologist in IL | $517,850 | +419.4% | $248.97/hr |
| Surgeon in IL | $438,010 | +339.3% | $210.58/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in IL | $286,830 | +187.7% | $137.90/hr |
| Psychiatrist in IL | $258,740 | +159.5% | $124.39/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in IL | $245,120 | +145.9% | $117.85/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in IL | $208,000 | +108.6% | $100.00/hr |
| Pediatrician in IL | $196,760 | +97.4% | $94.60/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +67.9% | $80.48/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | +56.6% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | +46.1% | $70.01/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in IL | $140,680 | +41.1% | $67.63/hr |
| Pharmacist in IL | $139,080 | +39.5% | $66.87/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Illinois?
- Occupational therapists in Illinois earn a median salary of $99,700 per year, or approximately $48 per hour. This is slightly above the national average, representing a +1.0% difference compared to occupational therapists across the United States.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Illinois?
- The salary range for occupational therapists in Illinois spans from $73,360 on the lower end to $132,180 on the upper end. This range reflects variations based on experience, credentials, employer type, and specialization within the field.
Is the occupational therapist salary in Illinois competitive nationally?
- Yes, Illinois offers a competitive salary for occupational therapists at $99,700 median annually, which is 1.0% higher than the national average. This makes Illinois a favorable state for occupational therapists compared to most other states.
How many occupational therapists are employed in Illinois?
- There are currently 7,710 occupational therapists employed in Illinois. This represents a substantial workforce in the state for this healthcare profession.