Senior Occupational Therapist Salary in Quincy, IL: $125,861 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapists working in Quincy, IL — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $125,861/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1122. Strip back Quincy's price premium (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $129,620 in average-cost America. The 30% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Standing out in the competitive field of occupational therapy in Quincy, IL, experienced professionals can command impressive salaries. In 2026, top earners are projected to make as much as $125,861 annually, with the 75th percentile earning around $112,668. Comparing this to the national landscape, Quincy’s advanced practitioners earn slightly less than the national median of $103,400, with a variance attributed to local market conditions and demand for specialized skills. The substantial gap between the median annual salary of $96,632 and the top-tier earnings emphasizes the experience premium that senior occupational therapists enjoy. Reaching this level of compensation typically requires not only extensive experience but also continuous professional development and potential specialization in areas such as hand therapy or gerontology.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Quincy
Experienced occupational therapists at the top of the pay scale in Quincy earn between $112,668 and $125,861 per year (2026 est.). This $58,229 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Quincy median of $96,632 sits 6.55% below the US median.
Top OT, OTR Salary Comparison
| Level | Quincy | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $96,632 | $103,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $112,668 | $120,240 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $125,861 | $135,988 |
In Quincy, experienced occupational therapists (P90) earn 30.25% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapist Pay in Quincy
Advanced Certifications in Illinois
IL occupational therapists with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $96,632 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Quincy employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapists focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Quincy command premium compensation, often reaching the $112,668–$125,861 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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 Quincy
Clinical Occupational Therapist
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapist
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapist Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedQuincy ranks #33 of 65 Illinois cities for top earner occupational therapist salary (90th percentile: $125,861).
Top 10% occupational therapist compensation in Quincy ($125,861) is 9.02% below the Illinois average P90 ($138,334).
2019 BLS Actual
$112,443
2025 BLS Actual
$122,124
2026 Current Est.
$125,861
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $112,443 | Actual |
| 2020 | $113,535 | Actual |
| 2021 | $114,618 | Actual |
| 2022 | $114,646 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,968 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,337 | Actual |
| 2025 | $122,124 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $125,861 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $129,712 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapists (90th percentile) in Quincy saw their compensation grow 8.6% from $112,443 in 2019 to $122,124 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 $129,712 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Occupational therapists in Quincy who specialize in high-demand areas can significantly impact their earning potential. Recognized specialties like hand therapy (CHT), pediatrics (BCP), and neurorehabilitation often attract higher salaries compared to general practice roles. Moreover, the type of employer also influences compensation structures, with skilled nursing facilities, hospital inpatient rehabilitation, and outpatient clinics frequently paying more than school districts or early intervention programs. For many seasoned therapists, moving into leadership roles, such as a rehab director or clinical specialty coordinator, not only boosts pay but also enhances career satisfaction. Advanced credentials can further elevate their marketability; having a Master’s (MOT) or Doctorate (OTD) from an ACOTE-accredited program, alongside necessary board certifications, positions therapists favorably in this evolving landscape. Non-salary factors, such as setting preferences and benefits tailored to experience, also play a critical role in defining overall compensation packages for senior occupational therapists in Quincy.
More salary data for Quincy, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapists make in Quincy in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapist pay in Quincy?
What certifications boost occupational therapist salary in Quincy?
Can experienced occupational therapists make six figures in Quincy?
How much does occupational therapist salary increase over time in Quincy?
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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 $122,124 for occupational therapists in the Quincy 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 Quincy 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