Occupational Therapist Salary in Addison, IL: $98,440 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Addison, IL earns a median $98,440/year (≈ $47.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Addison's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $101,380 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Addison, IL, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $98,440, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400. With salaries ranging from $71,937 at the lower end to $125,725 at the higher end, there is a significant income potential depending on experience and specialization. Local estimates derived from state-level data also reflect how the job market in Addison is shaped by various employment settings, such as hospitals, schools, and skilled nursing facilities, each offering unique salary prospects that influence overall compensation. The choice between year-round employment and school-year contracts further complicates earnings, as those in full-time positions often benefit from consistent income, while school therapists may find work less predictable.
About the Addison Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,937 | $34.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,023 | $38.96 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,440 | $47.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,259 | $54.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125,725 | $60.44 |
Median Salary Position
4.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Addison
In Addison, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,788 (2026 est.). At $98,440, the local median is 4.8% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Addison: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Addison Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Addison median: $98,440/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Addison Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,535 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.80% less |
Occupational Therapists in Addison, IL earn a median of $98,440 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.80% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% below the Illinois state average of $99,535.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Addison has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Addison, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,440 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $101,380 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,875
2025 BLS Actual
$95,517
2026 Current Est.
$98,440
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Addison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,875 | Actual |
| 2020 | $82,141 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,710 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,747 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,312 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,517 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,440 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,452 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Addison metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,875 (2019) to $95,517 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,452 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,577 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Addison metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,937 – $81,023 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,023 – $98,440 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,440 – $113,259 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,259 – $125,725 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Addison
Currently, there are only six occupational therapists employed in Addison, indicating a relatively small job market. The area's cost-of-living index is 97.1, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further here than in more expensive regions. Generally, the highest-paying opportunities can be found in hospital inpatient rehab and outpatient hand therapy clinics, where there are often additional stipends for certified hand therapists (CHT). The disparity in earnings often arises from the employment setting, as hospitals tend to offer more competitive salaries compared to schools and skilled nursing facilities. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists in Addison can pursue further certifications, such as the CHT, and carefully consider their employment contracts to align with the most lucrative opportunities in the local job market.
More salary data for Addison, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Addison, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Addison?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Addison?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Addison?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,517 for occupational therapistsin the Addison metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Addison is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov