HealthcareOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Occupational Therapist Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$142,277/yr
Typical range: $133,339 – $157,127
P90 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $105,967 | $8,831 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $117,379 | $9,782 | +51% |
| StaffThis page | 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
$142,277
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $68/hr
Next Level Target
$163,619
Principal · 14
+$21Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
54/100
Moderate
+14% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Occupational Therapist salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Occupational Therapists in Chicago, IL earn approximately $142K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Occupational Therapist make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $142K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $68/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead 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.