Occupational Therapist salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Occupational Therapists in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area earn a median of $80,040 a year ($38.48 an hour), based on BLS data for 120 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,110 for the top 10%. That is 20% lower than the national median of $100,330. Pay here is 20% lower than the Illinois statewide median of $99,700. There are 1.1 occupational therapists per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $87,710, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapists in Champaign-Urbana, IL
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,180 | $26.53 |
| 25th percentile | $76,040 | $36.56 |
| Median | $80,040 | $38.48 |
| 75th percentile | $99,130 | $47.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $126,110 | $60.63 |
| Average (mean) | $87,710 | $42.17 |
Half of occupational therapists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $6,670 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,335 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,078.46 |
| Weekly | $1,539.23 |
| Hourly | $38.48 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Occupational Therapist salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Springfield, IL | $102,810 | 100 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $99,860 | 5,960 |
| Cape Girardeau, MO-IL | $98,990 | 70 |
| Peoria, IL | $96,920 | 190 |
| Rockford, IL | $96,620 | 130 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | $95,770 | 1,860 |
| Paducah, KY-IL | $94,250 | 50 |
| Bloomington, IL | $90,060 | 80 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island, IA-IL | $87,390 | 170 |
| Kankakee, IL | $79,620 | 40 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| California | $124,510 |
| Oregon | $112,310 |
| Nevada | $110,520 |
| District of Columbia | $109,170 |
| Washington | $107,670 |
| Maryland | $106,980 |
| Colorado | $106,720 |
| Arkansas | $106,360 |
| Texas | $106,140 |
| Oklahoma | $104,300 |
See Occupational Therapist pay in every state or the Illinois statewide figures.
Related jobs in Champaign-Urbana, IL
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse | $90,230 | $43.38 |
| Physicians, All Other | $423,260 | $203.49 |
| Nurse Practitioner | $137,100 | $65.92 |
| Pharmacist | $139,270 | $66.96 |
| Dental Hygienist | $81,110 | $39.00 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist | $82,570 | $39.70 |
| Physical Therapist | $97,840 | $47.04 |
| Physician Assistant | $139,950 | $67.29 |
| Respiratory Therapist | $74,660 | $35.90 |
| Dentists, General | $174,010 | $83.66 |
| Veterinarian | $106,520 | $51.21 |
| Family Medicine Physician | $282,430 | $135.78 |
| Radiologist | $239,200+ | $115.00+ |
| Dietitians and Nutritionists | $64,400 | $30.96 |
More: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations · all salaries in Champaign-Urbana, IL
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 29-1122. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapist make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The median salary for occupational therapists in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area is $80,040 a year, or $38.48 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,180 for the lowest-paid 10% to $126,110 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapists make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
The top 10% of occupational therapists in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area earn at least $126,110 a year. The top 25% earn $99,130 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapists in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,180 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapists earn $76,040 or less.
How many occupational therapists work in Champaign-Urbana, IL?
About 120 occupational therapists are employed in the Champaign-Urbana, IL metro area, not counting the self-employed.