Arlington Heights vs Chicago: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,994 | $102,916▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.11 | $49.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,363 | $76,161▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $82,361 | $84,911▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $115,256▲ | $114,572 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,328 | $140,326▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 5,960▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Chicago is $4,922 (5.02%). Chicago's median is -0.47% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $56,965,Chicago spans $64,165. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington Heights ($100,921 effective) pays 1.59% more than Chicago ($99,345 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,921)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,916/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,326)
- ✓Larger job market (5,960 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Arlington Heights grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 15.9% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$87,912 (2024) → $95,084 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$86,140 (2019) → $99,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Arlington Heights or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Chicago as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Arlington Heights vs Chicago?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov