Rockford vs Urbana: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Rockford, IL and Urbana, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Urbana, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,577▲ | $82,189 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.87▲ | $39.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,164▲ | $63,749 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,418▲ | $70,371 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,554▲ | $95,431 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,165▲ | $106,399 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Urbana.
The salary gap between Rockford and Urbana is $17,388 (21.16%). Rockford's median is -3.70% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $62,001,Urbana spans $42,650. Rockford 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, Rockford ($108,055 effective) pays 27.66% more than Urbana ($84,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,577/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($129,165)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,055)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Urbana if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Rockford grew 13.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -7.6% growth in Urbana over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$85,130 (2019) → $96,620 (2025)
Urbana, IL
$86,337 (2024) → $79,749 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Urbana, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Rockford or Urbana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Urbana?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Urbana as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Rockford vs Urbana?
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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