Occupational Therapist Salary in Bolingbrook, IL: $100,533 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bolingbrook, IL earns a median $100,533/year (≈ $48.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bolingbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $103,536 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bolingbrook, Illinois, occupational therapists are projected to earn a median annual salary of $100,533 in 2026. The salary landscape ranges broadly from $68,020 at the 10th percentile to $128,831 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities within the field. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments, taking into account recent changes in reimbursement policies which have affected compensation in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient care since the Medicare cuts post-2022. Despite challenges, Bolingbrook's occupational therapist job market remains vibrant, suggesting a steady demand for skilled professionals in various therapeutic settings.
About the Bolingbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,020 | $32.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,404 | $41.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,533 | $48.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $115,318 | $55.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,831 | $61.94 |
Median Salary Position
2.77% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bolingbrook
In Bolingbrook, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,811 (2026 est.). At $100,533, the local median is 2.77% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Bolingbrook Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bolingbrook median: $100,533/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bolingbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,538 | +1.00% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.77% less |
Occupational Therapists in Bolingbrook, IL earn a median of $100,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.77% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.00% above the Illinois state average of $99,538.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bolingbrook 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.
Bolingbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,533 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $103,536 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,594
2025 BLS Actual
$97,548
2026 Current Est.
$100,533
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bolingbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,594 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,888 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,197 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,596 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,698 | Actual |
| 2024 | $90,190 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,548 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,533 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,609 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bolingbrook metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,594 (2019) to $97,548 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,609 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,015 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bolingbrook 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) | $68,020 – $85,404 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,404 – $100,533 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,533 – $115,318 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $115,318 – $128,831 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bolingbrook
With 19 occupational therapists currently employed in Bolingbrook, the local job market presents a unique combination of opportunities and financial realities. The area's cost of living index stands at 97.1, indicating that while salaries may be somewhat lower compared to national averages, purchasing power can still be favorable for residents. Employers who typically offer higher wages include hospital inpatient rehab facilities and outpatient hand therapy clinics, which are more lucrative than skilled nursing facilities or educational contracts. Pay disparities stem from various factors, including work setting, expectations around productivity, and the credentialing of specialized therapists, such as those with the CHT certification. Occupational therapists in Bolingbrook can boost their earnings by pursuing additional certifications, optimizing their job search towards high-paying employers, and considering year-round positions over school-year contracts for more consistent income.
More salary data for Bolingbrook, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $97,548 for occupational therapistsin the Bolingbrook 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 Bolingbrook 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