HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$77,808/yr
Typical range: $78,632 – $92,660
P10–P25 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $77,808 | $6,484 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $95,592 | $7,966 | +23% |
| Mid-Level | 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
$77,808
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $37/hr
Next Level Target
$95,592
Junior · 2
+$18Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Occupational Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $78K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Occupational Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $78K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $37/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Occupational Therapist in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Occupational Therapist in Chicago, IL earns $133K–$157K/yr.