Chattanooga vs Maryville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Chattanooga, TN and Maryville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chattanooga, TN | Maryville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,896▲ | $93,907 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.55▲ | $45.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,239 | $70,136▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,634▲ | $78,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $106,389 | $107,102▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,839 | $118,391▲ |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chattanooga, TN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Maryville.
The salary gap between Chattanooga and Maryville is $4,989 (5.31%). Chattanooga's median is -4.36% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chattanooga spans $57,600,Maryville spans $48,255. Chattanooga has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chattanooga ($108,126 effective) pays 5.70% more than Maryville ($102,295 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chattanooga if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($98,896/year)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,126)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Maryville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,391)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Chattanooga grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Maryville over the same period.
Chattanooga, TN
$80,570 (2019) → $95,960 (2025)
Maryville, TN
$76,709 (2024) → $91,119 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chattanooga, TN
Maryville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Chattanooga or Maryville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chattanooga and Maryville?
Should I relocate from Chattanooga to Maryville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Chattanooga vs Maryville?
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.
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