Occupational Therapist Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $97,760 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $97,760/year (≈ $47.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $100,680 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in Buffalo Grove is set at $97,760, slightly below the national average of $103,400. Salaries in this region will range from approximately $75,322 at the 10th percentile to $129,302 at the 90th percentile, indicating varying pay scales influenced by experience, setting, and certifications. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments reveal that therapists in Buffalo Grove can expect relatively stable compensation, particularly when comparing roles in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and educational institutions. Market dynamics in this area highlight the trade-offs for occupational therapists between year-round positions in rehab and seasonal contracts in schools, reflecting local demand and employer needs.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,322 | $36.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,407 | $40.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,760 | $47.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,629 | $52.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129,302 | $62.17 |
Median Salary Position
5.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,980 (2026 est.). At $97,760, the local median is 5.45% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $97,760/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,552 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.45% less |
Occupational Therapists in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $97,760 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.45% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,552.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove 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.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,760 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,680 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,316
2025 BLS Actual
$94,857
2026 Current Est.
$97,760
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,573 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,902 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,097 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,702 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,857 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,760 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,751 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,316 (2019) to $94,857 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,751 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,435 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo Grove 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) | $75,322 – $83,407 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,407 – $97,760 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,760 – $109,629 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,629 – $129,302 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Buffalo Grove
Analyzing the job market for occupational therapists in Buffalo Grove, only seven practitioners are currently employed, which impacts the competitive landscape. The cost of living index in the area stands at 97.1, suggesting a slightly favorable financial situation for those working in this field, as they might enjoy greater purchasing power relative to their wages. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs typically offer the most lucrative pay, especially for therapists with certifications like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). The wage disparity may stem from productivity expectations, the commonality of year-round positions, and the impacts of Medicare cuts on outpatient services. To maximize occupational therapist pay in Buffalo Grove IL, professionals should consider pursuing additional board certifications, as this can enhance their marketability and allow them to negotiate higher salaries.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Buffalo Grove, IL in 2026?
Is Buffalo Grove, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Buffalo Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Buffalo Grove?
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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 $94,857 for occupational therapistsin the Buffalo Grove 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 Buffalo Grove 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