Hire Occupational Therapists in Illinois
Illinois has 7,400 licensed occupational therapists — ranking #7 nationally. Median salary: $99k. Healthcare jobs growing 5%.
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for occupational therapists with 7,400 providers (192 per 100K residents, 347% above the national average of 43). Chicago leads with 1,080 providers. Average time-to-fill: ~35 days. Sign-on bonuses avg $15,000.
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Occupational Therapists Salary & Compensation in Illinois
To recruit mid-career occupational therapists in Illinois, target offers at $104,339+. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 can help close competitive candidates. (Source: BLS OOH)
Occupational Therapists Supply by City in Illinois
| City | Providers | Per 100K | Population |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | 1,080 | 40 | 2,700,000 |
| Aurora | 80 | 40 | 200,000 |
| Joliet | 60 | 40 | 150,000 |
| Naperville | 59 | 40 | 148,000 |
| Rockford | 58 | 40 | 145,000 |
| Springfield | 46 | 40 | 114,000 |
| Peoria | 45 | 40 | 112,000 |
| Elgin | 44 | 40 | 110,000 |
| Waukegan | 35 | 40 | 87,000 |
| Cicero | 34 | 40 | 84,000 |
10 cities in Illinois have occupational therapists data. National average: 43 per 100K residents.
Illinois Recruiting Market Overview
Illinois ranks #7 of 51 states for occupational therapists with 7,400 providers (192 per 100K residents, 347% above the national average of 43). Chicago leads with 1,080 providers.
Illinois is not a compact state — individual licensure required. NPs require physician collaboration agreements.
With 18.2% annual turnover, Illinois sees approximately 1,347 occupational therapists position changes per year. Top retention factors: work-life balance (85%), competitive salary (82%), and supportive management (78%).
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days. Recruiters should factor in 60-120 days for hospital credentialing and 90-180 days for insurance paneling.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Hiring Occupational Therapists in Illinois
How many occupational therapists are in Illinois?
Illinois has 7,400 licensed occupational therapists, ranking #7 nationally with 192 per 100K residents. Source: CMS NPPES NPI Registry.
What is the salary for occupational therapists in Illinois?
The national median is $99,370. Entry-level: $72,000, Senior: $108,000. Sign-on bonuses averaging $15,000 are common for hard-to-fill roles. Source: BLS 2024.
Is Illinois a Nurse Licensure Compact state?
No, Illinois requires individual state licensure. The compact includes 42 member states.
Which cities in Illinois have the most occupational therapists?
Top cities: Chicago (1,080), Aurora (80), Joliet (60). Chicago has 40 per 100K residents.
What is the turnover rate for occupational therapists in Illinois?
Annual turnover averages 18.2%. Top exit reasons: burnout (35%), better pay (28%). Proactive retention programs reduce turnover 25-40%.
How long does recruiting occupational therapists take?
Average time-to-fill is ~35 days (low competition). Hospital credentialing adds 60-120 days. Start the process early to avoid staffing gaps.
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