Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Cookeville, TN: $45.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Cookeville, TN runs $45.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $93,969 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Cookeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $49.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $56,387 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cookeville, Tennessee, the estimated occupational therapist hourly pay is $45.18, which falls below the national hourly median of $49.71. This figure has significant implications for practitioners working in various settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. For those considering part-time work (approximately three days a week), this translates into a potential for around $1,600 per week, whereas per-diem positions typically come with flexible schedules but can yield variable income based on hours worked. The hourly wage in Cookeville ranges from $33.79 for entry-level therapists to as high as $56.90 for top earners, reflecting the diverse opportunities in the region and the impact of experience and specialization on earning potential. It’s important to understand that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data projected for 2026.
About the Cookeville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.79 | $270.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.76 | $302.09 |
| Median (P50) | $45.18 | $361.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $51.63 | $413.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.90 | $455.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cookeville
Based on $45.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.18/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cookeville, TN can expect to earn approximately $93,978 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,218. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cookeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cookeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,807.26 | $7,831 | $93,978 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,084.36 | $4,699 | $56,387 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $722.90 | $3,133 | $37,591 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Cookeville) | $45.18 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Cookeville, TN earn a median of $93,969 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.12% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.00% below the Tennessee state average of $98,915.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.18/hr = $56,387/year (purchasing power: $61,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $93,978/year (purchasing power: $102,372).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Cookeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.70/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cookeville grew 18.1% from $37.12/hr (2019) to $43.84/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.56/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cookeville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Cookeville
When evaluating the overall earning potential of part-time occupational therapists in Cookeville, it’s essential to consider the annual income. A therapist working three days a week at roughly 24 hours would earn approximately $56,000 annually, which is significantly less than a full-time position that could net around $93,969. For those exploring per diem roles, pay rates can vary widely; many bill between $50 and $75 per hour, while more specialized therapists, particularly those with Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials, may command rates as high as $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different employers play a role in hourly rate variations as well; occupational therapists in skilled nursing facilities or school districts may earn differently than those in outpatient clinics or home health agencies. These factors often lead practitioners to choose between higher hourly wages without benefits and more stable incomes with employer-provided health plans. When negotiating hourly pay, it's beneficial to be aware of local salary trends and to articulate how your skills and certifications can enhance value for prospective employers.
More salary data for Cookeville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Cookeville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Cookeville?
Are occupational therapists in Cookeville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Cookeville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Cookeville?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Cookeville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cookeville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov