Occupational Therapist Pay

Brentwood vs Memphis: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)

Compare occupational therapist salaries between Brentwood, TN and Memphis, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Brentwood, TN
$95,396
$45.86/hr
Memphis, TN
$103,019
$49.53/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBrentwood, TNMemphis, TN
Median Salary$95,396$103,019
Hourly Rate$45.86$49.53
Entry Level (P10)$73,691$77,656
25th Percentile$79,336$86,354
75th Percentile$110,550$114,108
Top Earner (P90)$123,141$127,238
Total Employed7420
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Brentwood ($95,396) and Memphis ($103,019) occupational therapist salaries.BrentwoodMemphisMedian Salary$95,396$103,019Entry Level (P10)$73,691$77,656Top Earner (P90)$123,141$127,238US Median $103,400

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Brentwood.

The salary gap between Brentwood and Memphis is $7,623 (7.99%). Memphis's median is -0.37% compared to the US national median of $103,400.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Brentwood spans $49,450,Memphis spans $49,582. Memphis has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.

Brentwood
P10 (Entry)$73,691
P25$79,336
Median$95,396
P75$110,550
P90 (Top)$123,141
Memphis
P10 (Entry)$77,656
P25$86,354
Median$103,019
P75$114,108
P90 (Top)$127,238

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($111,760 effective) pays 7.55% more than Brentwood ($103,917 effective).

Brentwood
Nominal: $95,396
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $103,917
Memphis
Nominal: $103,019
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $111,760

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Brentwood if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($103,019/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($127,238)
  • Larger job market (420 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,760)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Brentwood grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Memphis over the same period.

Brentwood, TN

+18.8%

$77,925 (2024) → $92,564 (2025)

Memphis, TN

+20.3%

$83,090 (2019) → $99,960 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays occupational therapists more: Brentwood or Memphis?

Memphis has a higher median occupational therapist salary at $103,019/year, compared to Brentwood at $95,396/year — a difference of $7,623 (7.99%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Brentwood and Memphis?

Brentwood occupational therapists earn $45.86/hr while Memphis hygienists earn $49.53/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Brentwood to Memphis as a occupational therapist?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Brentwood and Memphis. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Brentwood = $103,917, Memphis = $111,760), job availability (7 vs 420 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Brentwood vs Memphis?

Entry-level (10th percentile) occupational therapists earn $73,691 in Brentwood and $77,656 in Memphis. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.
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