Therapist Salary in Illinois
Illinois salaries are heavily influenced by the Chicago metro, which offers some of the Midwest's highest therapy pay. Academic medical centers and large health systems in Chicago pay top dollar for experienced clinicians. Downstate Illinois positions pay less but often include strong state benefits packages.
Average Therapy Salaries in Illinois (2026)
| Specialty | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (PT) | $68,000/yr | $90,000/yr | $112,000/yr |
| Occupational Therapist (OT) | $64,000/yr | $86,000/yr | $106,000/yr |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) | $66,000/yr | $88,000/yr | $109,000/yr |
| BCBA / ABA Therapist | $61,000/yr | $83,000/yr | $102,000/yr |
| Mental Health Therapist (LCSW/LPC) | $53,000/yr | $72,000/yr | $94,000/yr |
Top Paying Cities in Illinois
- Chicago
- Rockford
- Springfield
- Peoria
- Aurora
Browse therapy jobs in Illinois
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Physical Therapist
Travel Speech-Language Pathologist (LTC/SNF) - $2,070 per week
Travel Occupational Therapist (LTC/SNF) - $2,020 per week
Physical Therapist - FT
Travel Occupational Therapist - $1,896 per week
Behavior Specialist
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a physical therapist (PT) make in Illinois?
Physical therapists in Illinois earn an average of $90,000 per year. Entry-level PTs typically start around $68,000, while experienced PTs can earn up to $112,000.
What is the average occupational therapist (OT) salary in Illinois?
OTs in Illinois average $86,000 annually. Pay ranges from $64,000 for new grads to $106,000 for experienced therapists in specialty settings.
How much do speech-language pathologists (SLPs) earn in Illinois?
SLPs in Illinois earn between $66,000 and $109,000 per year, with an average of $88,000. School-based SLPs typically follow district pay scales.