Occupational Therapist Salary in Bloomington, IL: $92,816 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bloomington, IL earns a median $92,816/year (≈ $44.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bloomington's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.5), that paycheck buys what $99,229 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.8% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists is $92,816 for 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $103,400. The salary landscape is diverse, with a range stretching from $65,309 at the 10th percentile to $123,600 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. Occupational therapists in Bloomington can find opportunities across various settings, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and school districts, each offering distinct compensation structures. Those selecting between year-round positions in outpatient clinics or seasonal roles in school systems may need to consider not just the salary, but also related benefits and job satisfaction when making their employment decisions.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,309 | $31.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $80,273 | $38.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $92,816 | $44.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $104,060 | $50.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,600 | $59.42 |
Median Salary Position
10.24% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bloomington
In Bloomington, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,291 (2026 est.). At $92,816, the local median is 10.24% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bloomington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bloomington Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bloomington median: $92,816/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bloomington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,588 | -6.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -10.24% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bloomington, IL earn a median of $92,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.24% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.80% below the Illinois state average of $99,588.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bloomington has a cost of living 6.46% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bloomington, IL has a cost-of-living index of 93.537 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $92,816 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,229 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.91% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$86,140
2025 BLS Actual
$90,060
2026 Current Est.
$92,816
2019–2027 Growth
+11.0%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $86,140 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,510 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,470 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,940 | Actual |
| 2025 | $90,060 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $92,816 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $95,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bloomington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 4.6% from $86,140 (2019) to $90,060 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $95,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,516 (11.05%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bloomington 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) | $65,309 – $80,273 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $80,273 – $92,816 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $92,816 – $104,060 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $104,060 – $123,600 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bloomington
The local job market for occupational therapists is relatively stable, with approximately 80 professionals employed in the Bloomington area. The cost of living index at 93.537 suggests that expenses are below the national average, allowing for greater purchasing power among those in the field. Typically, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings tend to offer higher salaries compared to school districts and outpatient clinics, though this can vary widely based on certifications such as the CHT specialty or factors such as contract type—year-round positions often yield better pay compared to school-year contracts. The differences in occupational therapist pay in Bloomington, IL can be influenced by productivity expectations and changes in Medicare reimbursements affecting some employers. To maximize earnings, occupational therapists would benefit from seeking additional certifications, staying informed on best practices in productivity, and considering diverse employment options within the local market.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bloomington, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Bloomington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Bloomington?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Bloomington?
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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 $90,060 for occupational therapistsin the Bloomington 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
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