HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$105,967/yr
Typical range: $92,660 – $133,339
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Occupational Therapist salary by experience level in Chicago
Occupational Therapist Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $77,808 | $6,484 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,592 | $7,966 | +23% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $105,967 | $8,831 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,379 | $9,782 | +51% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $142,277 | $11,856 | +83% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $163,619 | $13,635 | +110% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $168,954 | $14,080 | +117% |
Current Salary
$105,967
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $51/hr
Next Level Target
$117,379
Senior · 6
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
3–5 Years Experience Occupational Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $106K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Occupational Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $106K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $51/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Occupational Therapist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Occupational Therapist in Chicago, IL earns $133K–$157K/yr.