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Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Illinois

Occupational Therapists in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $96,850, which is slightly below the national average of $99,240. This marginal difference can often be attributed to the specific economic factors and demand within the state's healthcare sector, influencing compensation levels for these vital professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $96,850 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $128,810.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 7,410 Occupational Therapists, Illinois demonstrates a significant presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.24 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 24% higher than the national average, suggesting a robust and active job market with consistent demand for their specialized skills.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$96,850

The average Occupational Therapists in Illinois earns-2.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$46.6

Weekly

$1,863

Monthly

$8,071

Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Illinois

The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Illinois typically shows a clear correlation between experience and earning potential. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$67,530$32.5
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$72,638$34.9
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$98,900$47.5
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$121,063$58.2
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$128,810$61.9

Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$96,850

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$105,501

Adjusted for COL (91.8)

The average annual salary of $96,850 in Illinois offers strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.8. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary can translate into a higher real income and a better quality of life for Occupational Therapists residing in the state.

Job Market Context

7,410

Total Jobs

1.222

Per 1K Jobs

1.24

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.24, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.

Illinois's Location Quotient of 1.24 signifies a notable concentration of Occupational Therapists relative to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet accessible market, where employers actively seek skilled professionals, and opportunities are likely abundant for those with the requisite qualifications and experience.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists

Comparing salaries near Illinois

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Illinois?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Illinois is $96,850. This typically ranges from $67,530 for entry-level positions to $128,810 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Illinois is 2.4% lower than the national median of $99,240.

Is Illinois a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?

Yes, Illinois offers a lucrative environment for Occupational Therapists.The state's average salary of $96,850, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides excellent earning potential and purchasing power for these professionals.

Is Illinois a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?

Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($91,600) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.

How does the Illinois Occupational Therapist salary compare to the national average?

Occupational Therapists in Illinois earn an average of $96,850 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.

What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Illinois?

Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.24 for Occupational Therapists, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Illinois affect an Occupational Therapist's salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, Illinois is more affordable than the national average, making the $96,850 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.

What is the total number of Occupational Therapists employed in Illinois?

There are approximately 7,410 Occupational Therapists employed within the state of Illinois.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 7,410 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 1.222 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.