Occupational Therapist Salary in Woodridge, IL: $97,837 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Woodridge, IL earns a median $97,837/year (≈ $47.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Woodridge's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $100,759 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected occupational therapist salary in Woodridge, Illinois, stands at $97,837, reflecting a slight decline compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for occupational therapists in this area is expected to span from $70,386 at the 10th percentile to $120,066 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlight the financial landscape for therapists. For those pursuing specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), added earnings can significantly enhance compensation, positioning qualified practitioners competitively within the local job market.
About the Woodridge Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,386 | $33.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $79,783 | $38.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $97,837 | $47.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $109,808 | $52.80 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,066 | $57.72 |
Median Salary Position
5.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Woodridge
In Woodridge, IL, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,680 (2026 est.). At $97,837, the local median is 5.38% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Woodridge: You'd be above the median
How Woodridge Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Woodridge median: $97,837/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Woodridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $99,529 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -5.38% less |
Occupational Therapists in Woodridge, IL earn a median of $97,837 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.38% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.70% below the Illinois state average of $99,529.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Woodridge 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.
Woodridge, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $97,837 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $100,759 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,379
2025 BLS Actual
$94,932
2026 Current Est.
$97,837
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Woodridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,379 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,638 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,167 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,185 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,772 | Actual |
| 2025 | $94,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $97,837 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $100,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Woodridge metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $80,379 (2019) to $94,932 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $100,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,452 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Woodridge 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) | $70,386 – $79,783 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $79,783 – $97,837 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $97,837 – $109,808 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $109,808 – $120,066 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Woodridge
The occupational therapy job market in Woodridge currently employs nine therapists, contributing to a stable local employment rate. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power for therapists remains slightly below the national average, necessitating strategic planning for potential earnings. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation units tend to provide the highest pay, while school district contracts and outpatient hand therapy clinics generally offer lower salaries. The gap in compensation can be attributed to several factors, including workplace settings, certification stipends, and the impact of Medicare cuts on reimbursement rates for skilled nursing and outpatient services. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Woodridge, focusing on obtaining specialized certifications and considering contracts that offer year-round employment can prove beneficial.
More salary data for Woodridge, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Woodridge, IL in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Woodridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Woodridge?
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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 $94,932 for occupational therapistsin the Woodridge 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 Woodridge 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