Occupational Therapist Salary in Bartlett, IL: $97,752 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bartlett, IL earns a median $97,752/year (≈ $47.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bartlett's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $100,671 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bartlett, Illinois, occupational therapists can anticipate a median annual salary of $97,752 in 2026, reflecting a strong demand for skilled professionals in this field. The pay range varies significantly from $70,286 at the 10th percentile to as high as $120,038 at the 90th percentile, displaying wide variability based on experience, specialty certifications, and work settings. Salaries are projected based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, adjusted for regional cost factors, demonstrating that those who attain the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may command a premium within the local job market. The competitive compensation highlights the importance of advanced specialties in enhancing earning potential for occupational therapists working in Bartlett, IL.
About the Bartlett Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,286 | $33.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,609 | $38.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,752 | $47.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,645 | $53.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,038 | $57.71 |
Median Salary Position
5.46% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bartlett
In Bartlett, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,752 (2026 est.). At $97,752, the local median is 5.46% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Bartlett Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bartlett median: $97,752/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bartlett Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,544 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.46% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bartlett, IL earn a median of $97,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.46% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,544.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bartlett 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.
Bartlett, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,752 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,671 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,310
2025 BLS Actual
$94,850
2026 Current Est.
$97,752
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bartlett (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,310 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,567 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,896 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,091 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,106 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,695 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,850 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,752 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,744 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bartlett metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,310 (2019) to $94,850 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,744 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,434 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bartlett 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) | $70,286 – $79,609 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,609 – $97,752 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,752 – $111,645 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,645 – $120,038 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bartlett
The local job market for occupational therapists in Bartlett is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. A cost-of-living index of 97.1 suggests that while salaries may be slightly below the national average, the local economy aligns well with the compensation packages offered. Among potential employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation facilities typically offer the highest salaries, often followed by skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics. This pay disparity is influenced by various factors, including the setting's productivity expectations and demand for specialized certifications such as the CHT. To maximize their earning potential, therapists in Bartlett may consider aligning themselves with high-paying employers, pursuing additional certifications, and exploring varied work environments that offer potential year-round contracts.
More salary data for Bartlett, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bartlett, IL in 2026?
Is Bartlett, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bartlett?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Bartlett?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Bartlett?
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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 $94,850 for occupational therapistsin the Bartlett 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 Bartlett 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