LocalSalaryHub Salary Report
Occupational Therapists in Chicago, IL · Generated June 3, 2026
Occupational Therapists Salary in Chicago, IL $99,860/yr
$99,860
Mean: $101,400
~$77,891 est. take-home
$48.01
Based on 2,080 hrs/yr
100
100 = national avg
Salary Distribution
Where the median falls between the 25th and 75th percentile.
25th %
$82,390
Median
$99,860
75th %
$111,170
Median is in the 61th percentile of the typical range
Occupational Therapists in other IL cities
Compare the same occupation across cities in IL.
About Occupational Therapists salaries in Chicago, IL
Occupational Therapists in Chicago, IL earn a median of $99,860 per year, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. The mean salary is $101,400, which tends to skew higher because a small number of high earners pull the average up.
Most occupational therapists in this area earn between $82,390 and $111,170. Where you land depends on experience, employer type, and whether you have in-demand specializations.
That works out to roughly $48.01 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual hourly pay may differ for part-time or contract roles.
Career Outlook
11% growth. An aging population plus rising autism diagnoses in kids means demand from both ends of the age spectrum. Schools and pediatric clinics are particularly short-staffed.
Worth knowing: School-based OT jobs tend to pay less than hospital jobs but come with better hours and benefits (summers off, pensions). For maximum earnings, outpatient hand therapy or neurological specialties are the move.
Occupational Therapists Jobs in Chicago, IL
Median: $99,860/yr — browse openings that fit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a occupational therapists in Chicago?▾
The median — where half earn more and half earn less — is $99,860. The average (mean) is $101,400, which is higher because top earners pull it up.
How much does a occupational therapists make per hour in Chicago?▾
About $48.01/hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Part-time or overtime hours will change the actual rate.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Chicago?▾
The middle 50% earn between $82,390 and $111,170. Below $82,390 is typically entry-level; above $111,170 usually means significant experience or specialized skills.
Salary Conversion Table
How does $99,860 per year break down across different time periods?
| Period | Gross | Est. Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| Yearly | $99,860 | $77,891 |
| Monthly | $8,322 | $6,491 |
| Biweekly | $3,841 | $2,996 |
| Weekly | $1,920 | $1,498 |
| Hourly (40h/wk) | $48.01 | $37.45 |
| Hourly (35h/wk) | $54.87 | $42.8 |
| Hourly (30h/wk) | $64.01 | $49.93 |
| Daily (8h) | $384 | $300 |
Take-home estimates use an effective tax rate of 22%. Actual amounts vary by filing status, deductions, and state tax.
Occupational Therapists: Highest-Paying Cities in the U.S.
Top 10 cities nationwide for occupational therapists, based on BLS median salary data.
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