Naperville vs Peoria: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Naperville, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Naperville, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,991▲ | $99,886 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.99▲ | $48.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,741▲ | $67,947 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,389▲ | $80,088 |
| 75th Percentile | $119,372▲ | $105,533 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $144,277▲ | $131,082 |
| Total Employed | 23 | 190▲ |
Verdict
Naperville, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Peoria.
The salary gap between Naperville and Peoria is $4,105 (4.11%). Naperville's median is +0.57% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Naperville spans $73,536,Peoria spans $63,135. Naperville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Peoria ($109,487 effective) pays 2.23% more than Naperville ($107,097 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Naperville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,991/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($144,277)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Larger job market (190 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,487)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Naperville grew 10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Naperville, IL
$91,167 (2024) → $100,903 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$82,730 (2019) → $96,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Naperville, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Naperville or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Naperville and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Naperville to Peoria as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Naperville vs Peoria?
Related Comparisons
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