Occupational Therapist Salary in Galesburg, IL: $94,461 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Galesburg, IL earns a median $94,461/year (≈ $45.42/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $97,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual occupational therapist salary in Galesburg, Illinois, stands at $94,461, reflecting the impact of recent Medicare cuts on skilled nursing facilities and outpatient compensation structures. The salary range for practitioners in this area varies significantly, from approximately $70,400 at the lower end (P10) to about $122,256 for high earners (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, illustrate the local economic landscape. Despite being below the national median of $103,400, Galesburg remains a viable location for occupational therapy, particularly given its smaller workforce of only four employed occupational therapists in the vicinity.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,400 | $33.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $78,761 | $37.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $94,461 | $45.42 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,663 | $52.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $122,256 | $58.78 |
Median Salary Position
8.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,856 (2026 est.). At $94,461, the local median is 8.65% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $94,461/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,537 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -8.65% less |
Occupational Therapists in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $94,461 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.65% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $99,537.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg 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.
Galesburg, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $94,461 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $97,282 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,606
2025 BLS Actual
$91,656
2026 Current Est.
$94,461
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,606 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,821 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,172 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,124 | Actual |
| 2023 | $88,038 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,742 | Actual |
| 2025 | $91,656 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $94,461 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $97,351 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $77,606 (2019) to $91,656 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $97,351 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,745 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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) | $70,400 – $78,761 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $78,761 – $94,461 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $94,461 – $109,663 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,663 – $122,256 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Galesburg
The local job market for occupational therapists reflects a cost of living index of 97.1, suggesting that salaries in Galesburg might offer more purchasing power than one would anticipate when compared to larger urban settings. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities typically pay less than hospital inpatient rehabilitation clinics, outpatient hand therapy clinics, and school district contracts, with compensation affected by factors like board certifications such as CHT or graduate degrees. The earnings potential can vary widely due to productivity expectations and contract types, particularly between year-round positions and those tied to the school calendar. For those looking to maximize occupational therapist pay in Galesburg IL, pursuing specialized certifications and seeking roles in higher-paying environments such as hospitals or outpatient services are strategic approaches to increasing overall compensation.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Galesburg, IL in 2026?
Is Galesburg, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Galesburg?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Galesburg?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Galesburg?
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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 $91,656 for occupational therapistsin the Galesburg 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 Galesburg 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