Occupational Therapist Salary in Urbana, IL: $82,189 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Urbana, IL earns a median $82,189/year (≈ $39.51/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Urbana's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $84,644 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.5% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist salary in Urbana is projected to be $82,189 annually, considerably lower than the national median of $103,400. This salary range spans from $63,749 at the 10th percentile up to $106,399 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse employment settings and job roles available locally. These figures are estimated from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors. For occupational therapists including those who hold the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation, higher earning potential is achievable, particularly in environments that value specialized skills. The job market in Urbana presents unique opportunities for OTs, given its focus on healthcare-related roles such as skilled nursing and rehabilitation.
About the Urbana Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,749 | $30.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70,371 | $33.83 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $82,189 | $39.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,431 | $45.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,399 | $51.15 |
Median Salary Position
20.51% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Urbana
In Urbana, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,650 (2026 est.). At $82,189, the local median is 20.51% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Urbana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Urbana Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Urbana median: $82,189/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Urbana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,623 | -17.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -20.51% less |
Occupational Therapists in Urbana, IL earn a median of $82,189 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.51% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 17.50% below the Illinois state average of $99,623.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Urbana 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.
Urbana, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $82,189 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,644 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$67,524
2025 BLS Actual
$79,749
2026 Current Est.
$82,189
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Urbana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,524 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,581 | Actual |
| 2021 | $68,017 | Actual |
| 2022 | $74,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $76,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $79,749 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $82,189 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $84,704 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Urbana metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $67,524 (2019) to $79,749 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $84,704 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,180 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Urbana 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) | $63,749 – $70,371 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $70,371 – $82,189 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $82,189 – $95,431 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,431 – $106,399 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Urbana
Analyzing the local employment landscape, only six occupational therapists are currently employed in Urbana, suggesting a niche yet potentially competitive market. The cost-of-living index at 97.1 indicates that residents might find their take-home pay stretches further than in higher-cost areas. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation can provide higher salaries compared to schools and outpatient clinics, often reflecting productivity expectations and demand for specialized certifications like CHT. To maximize compensation in Urbana IL, occupational therapy professionals should consider year-round positions or settings that offer a stipend for advanced certifications. Being aware of market dynamics can significantly influence how much do occupational therapists make in Urbana, positioning professionals to negotiate better pay while responding to client needs.
More salary data for Urbana, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Urbana, IL in 2026?
Is Urbana, IL a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Urbana?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Urbana?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Urbana?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 $79,749 for occupational therapistsin the Urbana 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 Urbana 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