Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how Occupational Therapists in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $83,700 | $63,600 | $108,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $104,000 | $79,000 | $135,200 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $119,600 | $90,900 | $155,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $143,500 | $109,000 | $186,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $162,600 | $123,600 | $211,400 |
Highest-paying metros for Occupational Therapists — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average Occupational Therapist salary in the Chicago metro is $119,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $90,900 to $155,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $197,300 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for Occupational Therapists. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for Occupational Therapists — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median Occupational Therapist salary of $119,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Occupational Therapists in Chicago start around $83,700, while seniors (10+ years) reach $143,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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