Occupational Therapist Salary in Rock Island, IL: $90,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Rock Island, IL earns a median $90,240/year (≈ $43.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Rock Island's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $92,935 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For occupational therapists considering a career in Rock Island, Illinois, the projected median annual salary stands at $90,240 for 2026. This figure reflects the competitive local market where salaries range from $63,385 at the lower end (P10) to $112,018 at the upper end (P90). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, illustrate the varied opportunities available in the area. The job market in Rock Island is influenced by the choice between hospital settings, specialized facilities, and school districts, each of which offers unique salary potentials and work-life balances.
About the Rock Island Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,385 | $30.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $77,880 | $37.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,240 | $43.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $102,126 | $49.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,018 | $53.86 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rock Island
In Rock Island, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,633 (2026 est.). At $90,240, the local median is 12.73% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Rock Island: You'd be above the median
How Rock Island Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Rock Island median: $90,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rock Island Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,603 | -9.40% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -12.73% less |
Occupational Therapists in Rock Island, IL earn a median of $90,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 9.40% below the Illinois state average of $99,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rock Island 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.
Rock Island, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $90,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $92,935 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$74,138
2025 BLS Actual
$87,561
2026 Current Est.
$90,240
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Rock Island (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $74,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,299 | Actual |
| 2021 | $74,680 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,321 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,822 | Actual |
| 2025 | $87,561 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,002 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rock Island metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $74,138 (2019) to $87,561 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,002 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,864 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Island 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) | $63,385 – $77,880 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $77,880 – $90,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,240 – $102,126 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $102,126 – $112,018 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Rock Island
In Rock Island, five occupational therapists are currently employed, signaling a modestly sized local job market. The cost of living index is slightly below the national average at 97.1, suggesting that the purchasing power of the $90,240 salary is relatively favorable when considering housing and other expenses. Occupational therapists working in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab typically command the highest pay, likely due to the demands of their roles and productivity expectations. The disparity in compensation can be traced back to various factors like certifications, such as becoming a Board Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), and the differing nature of contracts, including year-round positions versus school-year contracts. Maximizing earning potential in Rock Island will depend on strategic decisions around specialization, setting choices, and understanding how reimbursement cuts may affect certain job sectors.
More salary data for Rock Island, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Rock Island, IL in 2026?
Is Rock Island, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Rock Island?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Rock Island?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Rock Island?
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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 $87,561 for occupational therapistsin the Rock Island 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 Rock Island 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