Occupational Therapist Pay

Atlanta vs Tucker: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Atlanta, GA and Tucker, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Atlanta, GA
$109,408
$52.60/hr
Tucker, GA
$96,928
$46.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAtlanta, GATucker, GA
Median Salary$109,408$96,928
Hourly Rate$52.60$46.60
Entry Level (P10)$78,944$72,482
25th Percentile$89,518$80,997
75th Percentile$126,733$110,759
Top Earner (P90)$135,019$122,064
Total Employed2,1208
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Atlanta ($109,408) and Tucker ($96,928) occupational therapist salaries.AtlantaTuckerMedian Salary$109,408$96,928Entry Level (P10)$78,944$72,482Top Earner (P90)$135,019$122,064US Median $103,400

Verdict

Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tucker.

The salary gap between Atlanta and Tucker is $12,480 (12.88%). Atlanta's median is +5.81% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlanta spans $56,075,Tucker spans $49,582. Atlanta has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Atlanta
P10 (Entry)$78,944
P25$89,518
Median$109,408
P75$126,733
P90 (Top)$135,019
Tucker
P10 (Entry)$72,482
P25$80,997
Median$96,928
P75$110,759
P90 (Top)$122,064

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Atlanta ($109,345 effective) pays 5.03% more than Tucker ($104,112 effective).

Atlanta
Nominal: $109,408
CoL Index: 100.058
Adjusted: $109,345
Tucker
Nominal: $96,928
CoL Index: 93.1
Adjusted: $104,112

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Atlanta if…

  • Higher median salary ($109,408/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($135,019)
  • Larger job market (2,120 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,345)
  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Choose Tucker if…

  • You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Atlanta grew 19.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Tucker over the same period.

Atlanta, GA

+19.0%

$89,240 (2019) → $106,160 (2025)

Tucker, GA

+20.8%

$77,839 (2024) → $94,050 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Atlanta or Tucker?

Atlanta has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $109,408/year, compared to Tucker at $96,928/year — a difference of $12,480 (12.88%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Atlanta and Tucker?

Atlanta occupational therapists earn $52.60/hr while Tucker hygienists earn $46.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Atlanta to Tucker as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Atlanta and Tucker. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Atlanta = $109,345, Tucker = $104,112), job availability (2,120 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Atlanta vs Tucker?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $78,944 in Atlanta and $72,482 in Tucker. The Atlanta area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JM

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.

Clinically reviewed by Sofia Chen, OTR/LData verified by Luis Garcia, OTR/L

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov