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Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago, IL

Occupational Therapist salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026

The median Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $93,090 per year ($7,758/month, $45/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.

Entry Level
$74K
$35/hr
Median
$93K
$45/hr
Senior
$118K
$57/hr
Top Earner
$133K
$64/hr

Occupational Therapist Take-Home Pay in Chicago

Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)

Gross Annual$93,090
Federal Tax-$12,094
State Tax (5.0%)-$4,608
FICA (SS + Medicare)-$7,121
Annual Take-Home$69,267
Monthly Take-Home$5,772

Living Cost Comparison

Median Rent$1,750/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio22.6%
Median Home Price$320,000
Cost of Living Index107
City Median Salary$72,500
Occupational Therapist vs City Median+$20,590

Occupational Therapist Requirements

Education
Master's Degree
Experience
0-2 years
Job Growth
14.0% (2024-2034)

Key Skills

Activity AnalysisAdaptive EquipmentCognitive RehabilitationSensory IntegrationDocumentation

Chicago Job Market Overview

Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $93,090 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Occupational Therapists earn around $73,830, while senior-level professionals can earn $117,700 or more.
How much does a Occupational Therapist take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Occupational Therapist earning the median salary of $93,090 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $69,267 per year ($5,772/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.6%.
Is Chicago a good city for Occupational Therapists?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Occupational Therapists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Occupational Therapist in Chicago?
Key skills for Occupational Therapists include Activity Analysis, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Sensory Integration, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include NBCOT Certification, State Licensure.
How does Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Occupational Therapist salary is $87,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $93,090, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?

The median Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL is $93,090 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Occupational Therapists earn around $73,830, while senior-level professionals can earn $117,700 or more.

How much does a Occupational Therapist take home in Chicago after taxes?

A Occupational Therapist earning the median salary of $93,090 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $69,267 per year ($5,772/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 25.6%.

Is Chicago a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Occupational Therapists here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.

What skills are needed for a Occupational Therapist in Chicago?

Key skills for Occupational Therapists include Activity Analysis, Adaptive Equipment, Cognitive Rehabilitation, Sensory Integration, Documentation. Typical education requirement is Master's Degree. Valuable certifications include NBCOT Certification, State Licensure.

How does Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago compare to the national average?

The national median Occupational Therapist salary is $87,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $93,090, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.