Occupational Therapist Salary in Schaumburg, IL: $97,788 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Schaumburg, IL earns a median $97,788/year (≈ $47.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Schaumburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $100,709 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Schaumburg, Illinois, can expect a median annual salary of $97,788, which falls slightly below the national median of $103,400. Their earnings range from $72,784 at the lower end (P10) to $132,949 at the high end (P90), indicating significant variability in compensation. These figures reflect local estimates projected using 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations. Obtaining specialty certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential, can significantly enhance earning potential, making it a worthwhile pursuit for therapists looking to maximize their career opportunities in this growing job market.
About the Schaumburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,784 | $34.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,945 | $39.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,788 | $47.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $111,109 | $53.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,949 | $63.92 |
Median Salary Position
5.43% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Schaumburg
In Schaumburg, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,165 (2026 est.). At $97,788, the local median is 5.43% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Schaumburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Schaumburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Schaumburg median: $97,788/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Schaumburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,581 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.43% less |
Occupational Therapists in Schaumburg, IL earn a median of $97,788 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.43% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,581.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Schaumburg 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.
Schaumburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,788 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,709 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,340
2025 BLS Actual
$94,885
2026 Current Est.
$97,788
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Schaumburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,340 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,598 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,926 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,123 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,140 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,728 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,885 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,788 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,781 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Schaumburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,340 (2019) to $94,885 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,781 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,441 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Schaumburg 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) | $72,784 – $81,945 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,945 – $97,788 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,788 – $111,109 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $111,109 – $132,949 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Schaumburg
The occupational therapist job market in Schaumburg is relatively robust, with 13 practicing therapists currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, professionals may find their purchasing power positively impacted despite a slightly lower median salary compared to the national framework. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer higher pay than outpatient clinics or school district contracts. Factors affecting the salary spread include work setting, additional certifications, productivity expectations, and differences in contract terms, especially between school-year and year-round positions. For those aiming to enhance their occupational therapist pay in Schaumburg, pursuing specialized credentials and seeking opportunities in high-paying facilities—like inpatient rehabs or home health agencies—can provide a valuable edge.
More salary data for Schaumburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Schaumburg, IL in 2026?
Is Schaumburg, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Schaumburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Schaumburg?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Schaumburg?
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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 $94,885 for occupational therapistsin the Schaumburg 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 Schaumburg 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