Nashville vs Smyrna: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Nashville, TN and Smyrna, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Nashville, TN | Smyrna, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,709▲ | $99,963 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.86▲ | $48.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $72,750▲ | $71,153 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,623▲ | $81,254 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,532 | $117,150▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,568 | $128,085▲ |
| Total Employed | 710▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Nashville, TN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Smyrna.
The salary gap between Nashville and Smyrna is $3,746 (3.75%). 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 Nashville spans $52,818,Smyrna spans $56,932. Smyrna has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Smyrna ($108,892 effective) pays 1.15% more than Nashville ($107,651 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Nashville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,709/year)
- ✓Larger job market (710 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Smyrna if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,085)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,892)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Nashville grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.8% growth in Smyrna over the same period.
Nashville, TN
$82,380 (2019) → $100,630 (2025)
Smyrna, TN
$81,656 (2024) → $96,995 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Nashville, TN
Smyrna, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Nashville or Smyrna?
What is the hourly rate difference between Nashville and Smyrna?
Should I relocate from Nashville to Smyrna as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Nashville vs Smyrna?
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