Healthcare Aurora, IL Pop. 197,757

Occupational Therapist Salary in Aurora, Illinois

The median occupational therapist salary in Aurora, IL is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median and 0.0% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$90,385
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-2,795
Cost of Living
95%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Aurora: What to Expect (2026)

Aurora offers a median occupational therapist salary of $90,385, which is $0 above the Illinois state average of $90,385. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Aurora pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Aurora's cost of living is 95% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Aurora spans from $60,140 at the 10th percentile to $123,685 at the 90th percentile — a $63,545 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $62,080, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $116,400. With a population of 197,757, Aurora is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Aurora by Experience

In Aurora, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $62,080, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$62,080
$-1,920 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,210
$-2,790 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$116,400
$-3,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Aurora, IL

Percentile Aurora
10th Percentile $60,140
25th Percentile $74,884
Median (50th) $90,385
75th Percentile $106,506
90th Percentile $123,685

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$102,498
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$101,566
Pop. 2,693,976
Springfield, IL
$81,067
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$78,271
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Aurora

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Aurora and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Aurora may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Aurora

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Aurora, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Aurora

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Aurora, IL? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Aurora, Illinois is $90,385 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $60,140 (10th percentile) to $123,685 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Aurora? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,385, a occupational therapist in Aurora earns approximately $43 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Aurora compare to the Illinois state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Aurora's median occupational therapist salary of $90,385 is 0.0% above the Illinois state average of $90,385. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Aurora, IL? ▼
Aurora has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $90,385 in Aurora has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Aurora? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Aurora require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.