Healthcare Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median occupational therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $101,566 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$101,566
vs State Avg
+$11,181
vs National
+$8,386
Cost of Living
107%

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $69,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,760
+$5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,370
+$8,370 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,800
+$10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $67,580
25th Percentile $84,148
Median (50th) $101,566
75th Percentile $119,682
90th Percentile $138,986

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$102,498
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$90,385
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$81,067
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$78,271
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Chicago

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Chicago 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 Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Chicago

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Chicago, Illinois is $101,566 per year, which is 9.0% above the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $67,580 (10th percentile) to $138,986 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,566, a occupational therapist in Chicago earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Chicago's median occupational therapist salary of $101,566 is 12.4% above the Illinois state average of $90,385. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $101,566 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Chicago? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Chicago 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.