Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Moline, IL: $113,567 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Moline, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,567/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Moline's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $116,959 in average-cost America. The 24% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, IL, the outlook for experienced occupational therapists in 2026 shows promising potential for substantial earnings. Senior-level positions can lead to salaries reaching up to $113,567, with the 75th percentile earning an estimated $105,303 per year. This significant gap from the median annual salary of $91,661 highlights the financial rewards available to top professionals who have honed their skills through years of clinical practice and specialized training. To command such high salaries, occupational therapists typically invest in advanced certifications, ongoing education, and often transition to roles that entail greater responsibilities, such as management or specialty practice.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Moline earn between $105,303 and $113,567 per year (2026 est.). This $47,189 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Moline median of $91,661 sits 11.35% below the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Moline | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $91,661 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,303 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,567 | $135,988 |
In Moline, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 23.90% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Moline
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $91,661 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Moline employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Moline command premium compensation, often reaching the $105,303–$113,567 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Moline metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapists who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapists in Moline with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapists in Illinois who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapist Career & Wage Growth Path in Moline
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedMoline ranks #63 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $113,567).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Moline ($113,567) is 17.9% below the Illinois average P90 ($138,334).
2019 BLS Actual
$101,460
2025 BLS Actual
$110,195
2026 Current Est.
$113,567
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,460 | Actual |
| 2020 | $102,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $103,422 | Actual |
| 2022 | $103,447 | Actual |
| 2023 | $108,249 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,195 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,567 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,042 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Moline saw their compensation grow 8.6% from $101,460 in 2019 to $110,195 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.06% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $117,042 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline 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.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapist Earnings in Moline
Specializations greatly influence senior occupational therapist pay in Moline, where expertise in areas like hand therapy (CHT), pediatrics (BCP), gerontology (BCG), and neurorehabilitation can lead to premium compensation. Compensation levels vary depending on the setting; those employed in skilled nursing facilities may see differing parameters compared to therapists in private outpatient clinics or mental health facilities, which often prioritize advanced credentials like an MOT or OTD. Leadership roles, such as rehab directors or clinical specialty coordinators, present further opportunities for career advancement and increased pay. Moreover, non-salary factors, such as settings with enhanced benefits like hospital roles over school positions, along with stipends for board certifications and workload expectations, play a critical role in rounding out total compensation for senior occupational therapists in the region.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Moline in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Moline?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Moline?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Moline?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time in Moline?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $110,195 for occupational therapists in the Moline metro area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline 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