Occupational Therapist Salary in Belleville, IL: $94,978 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Belleville, IL earns a median $94,978/year (≈ $45.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Belleville's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $97,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Belleville, IL, command a median annual salary of $94,978, which is roughly 8.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 for 2026. The salary spans a range, with entry-level positions starting at around $71,626, while experienced professionals can earn up to $120,316. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, accounting for regional price variations specific to the Belleville area. The certification in hand therapy, known as the CHT specialty, can significantly enhance an occupational therapist's earning potential, making it a valuable credential for practitioners aspiring to maximize their compensation within the local job market.
About the Belleville Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,626 | $34.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,812 | $38.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,978 | $45.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108,961 | $52.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,316 | $57.85 |
Median Salary Position
8.15% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Belleville
In Belleville, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,690 (2026 est.). At $94,978, the local median is 8.15% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Belleville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Belleville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Belleville median: $94,978/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Belleville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,558 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -8.15% less |
Occupational Therapists in Belleville, IL earn a median of $94,978 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.15% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $99,558.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Belleville has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Belleville, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $94,978 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,815 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,031
2025 BLS Actual
$92,158
2026 Current Est.
$94,978
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Belleville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,031 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,252 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,590 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,207 | Actual |
| 2025 | $92,158 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,978 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Belleville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $78,031 (2019) to $92,158 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,853 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Belleville 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $71,626 – $79,812 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,812 – $94,978 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,978 – $108,961 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $108,961 – $120,316 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Belleville
In Belleville, a total of 10 occupational therapists are currently employed, reflecting a localized labor market tailored to provide specialized services. The cost of living index stands at 97.1, which indicates a slightly lower-than-average expense for residents—meaning that professionals may enjoy improved purchasing power in this community. Salary opportunities can vary widely depending on the employer. Generally, skilled nursing facilities and hospitals tend to offer higher pay scales compared to outpatient clinics and schools, with factors like productivity expectations and employment settings further influencing earnings. It’s essential for therapists to strategically pursue roles in high-demand areas and consider obtaining advanced certifications to enhance their marketability. Understanding the dynamics of the local job landscape will be beneficial for those wondering how much do occupational therapists make in Belleville and how they can optimize their career trajectories in this growing field.
More salary data for Belleville, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Belleville, IL in 2026?
Is Belleville, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Belleville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Belleville?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Belleville?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $92,158 for occupational therapistsin the Belleville metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Belleville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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