Germantown vs Nashville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Germantown, TN and Nashville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Germantown, TN | Nashville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,256 | $103,709▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.27 | $49.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,838 | $72,750▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,241 | $84,623▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $112,566▲ | $110,532 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,924▲ | $125,568 |
| Total Employed | 8 | 710▲ |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Germantown.
The salary gap between Germantown and Nashville is $7,453 (7.74%). Nashville's median is +0.30% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Germantown spans $58,086,Nashville spans $52,818. Germantown 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, Nashville ($107,651 effective) pays 2.67% more than Germantown ($104,854 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Germantown if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,924)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,651)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Germantown grew 18.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Nashville over the same period.
Germantown, TN
$78,627 (2024) → $93,398 (2025)
Nashville, TN
$82,380 (2019) → $100,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Germantown, TN
Nashville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Germantown or Nashville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Germantown and Nashville?
Should I relocate from Germantown to Nashville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Germantown vs Nashville?
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