Based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data — updated August 12, 2026.
| Illinois | National | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual salary | $99,700 | $101,555 | -2% |
| Median hourly wage | $47.93 | $48.82 | -2% |
Adjusted for local price levels (100 = national average), the cost-adjusted median is $99,700.
| City | Median | Entry Level | Experienced | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $101,189 | $78,750 | $115,500 | 107 |
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapist in Illinois is $99,700, or about $47.93 per hour, according to BLS OEWS data.
The national median for Occupational Therapists is $101,555. Illinois is -2% below the national median.
Entry-level occupational therapists in Illinois typically earn from $78,750 depending on the city and employer.
With 7,710 occupational therapist jobs on record and a median salary of $99,700, Illinois offers competitive pay compared to the rest of the country.