Recreational Therapist Salary in Illinois (2026)
Illinois · 5.0% above national average · Medium Demand
| City | Avg Salary | vs National | Demand |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $60,928 | +12.0% | Medium |
| Aurora | $55,488 | +2.0% | Medium |
Illinois is home to a strong job market for Recreational Therapists. The state's key industries — Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $54,400 per year, Illinois's Recreational Therapist salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average.
The cost of living in Illinois (index: 1.05) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in Illinois can expect to earn $38,228–$46,492, while experienced Recreational Therapists can command $65,085–$71,282.
Looking ahead, the Recreational Therapist profession in Illinois is projected to grow at 3.0% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Finance continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.
-
What is the average Recreational Therapist salary in Illinois?The average Recreational Therapist salary in Illinois is $54,400 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% above the national average of $51,810.
-
What city in Illinois pays Recreational Therapists the most?Major metro areas typically pay Recreational Therapists the highest wages in Illinois due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
-
Is Illinois a good state for Recreational Therapists?Illinois has a strong job market with major industries in Finance, Manufacturing, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Recreational Therapist employment.
-
How does Illinois Recreational Therapist salary compare to the US average?At $54,400/year, Illinois Recreational Therapist salaries are 5.0% higher than the national average of $51,810/year.