Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Salary in Peoria, IL: $67,947 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapists entering the Peoria, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $67,947 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 29-1122, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Peoria's local price level (BEA RPP 91.2 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $74,478 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($99,886) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For new graduates entering the occupational therapy field in Peoria, Illinois, the starting occupational therapist salary is projected to be $67,947 in 2026. This amount signifies a considerable gap when compared to the city's median annual salary of $99,886. However, there is a clear growth trajectory for those in their early career stages, with potential earnings rising to approximately $80,088 at the 25th percentile and reaching the median pay point as individuals gain experience within their first three to five years. Peoria appears to be a favorable market for new grads, offering competitive salaries that align closely with the city’s cost of living index of 91.231, which is below the national average.
Career Earnings Timeline in Peoria
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Peoria
Entry-level occupational therapists in Peoria, IL typically start between $67,947 and $80,088 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $63,135 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $99,886 — 3.4% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Illinois of $115,000 represents just 169.25% of the starting occupational therapist pay ($67,947/year) in Peoria. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Master's and Doctoral occupational therapy programs. Tuition varies between public in-state and private institution programs; MOT programs typically run 2-3 years post-bachelor's.
OT, OTR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Peoria
- 1Research the Peoria market: entry-level occupational therapist pay ranges from $67,947 to $80,088, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Peoria, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Peoria for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Peoria's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapist Compensation Range
The occupational therapist wage spread in Peoria is $63,135 ( 92.92%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $67,947, experienced hygienists can earn up to $131,082.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$61,020
2025 BLS Actual
$65,930
2026 Current Est.
$67,947
2019–2027 Growth
+14.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Peoria (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,020 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,920 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,230 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,810 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,947 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,027 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapist compensation (10th percentile) in Peoria, IL grew 8.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $61,020 in 2019 to $65,930 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $70,027. New graduates entering the Peoria job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Peoria metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Peoria
In Peoria, employers such as hospital systems, school districts, and skilled nursing facility (SNF) rehabilitation centers actively seek newly licensed occupational therapists. Many hospitals offer residency programs that provide pathways to specialty certification, while school districts often have summer-off contracts available for fresh graduates. To enhance their earning potential, recent graduates should focus on obtaining credentials from accredited programs and successfully passing the NBCOT national exam, as both the Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT) and the Doctorate in Occupational Therapy (OTD) are becoming essential in the field. Since ACOTE aims to transition to an entry-level OTD by 2027, aspiring professionals are encouraged to stay informed and pursue relevant continuing education. In Peoria, realistic salary growth for new professionals within the first few years tends to align with industry standards, especially for those who pursue the hand therapy CHT credential, which commands a premium in compensation.
More salary data for Peoria, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapists in Peoria in 2026?
How fast do occupational therapist salaries grow in Peoria?
Is occupational therapy school worth it in Peoria?
What do new occupational therapists make right out of school in Peoria?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Peoria. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov