Occupational Therapist Salary in Rockford, IL: $78,271 (2026)

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

Rockford offers a median occupational therapist salary of $78,271, which is $12,114 below the Illinois state average of $90,385. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $78,271 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,452 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Rockford spans from $52,080 at the 10th percentile to $107,108 at the 90th percentile — a $55,028 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $53,760, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $100,800. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $53,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $100,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$53,760

$-10,240 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$78,120

$-14,880 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$100,800

$-19,200 vs national

Percentile	Rockford	IL State	National
10th Percentile	$52,080	$60,140	$62,000
25th Percentile	$64,848	$74,884	$77,200
Median (50th)	$78,271	$90,385	$93,180
75th Percentile	$92,232	$106,506	$109,800
90th Percentile	$107,108	$123,685	$127,510

Percentile

Rockford

10th Percentile

$52,080

25th Percentile

$64,848

Median (50th)

$78,271

75th Percentile

$92,232

90th Percentile

$107,108

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Rockford

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Rockford

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Rockford, IL? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Rockford, Illinois is $78,271 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $52,080 (10th percentile) to $107,108 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Rockford? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $78,271, a occupational therapist in Rockford earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Rockford's median occupational therapist salary of $78,271 is 13.4% below the Illinois state average of $90,385. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼

Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $78,271 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Rockford? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Rockford 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Rockford, Illinois