Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $46.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Gallatin, TN runs $46.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,895 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.22 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,531 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected to be $46.10 in 2026, which positions it slightly below the national average of $49.71. This hourly rate reflects a competitive landscape for professionals working in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy environments, and outpatient clinics. For part-time and per-diem workers, this translates to potential earnings of around $739.20 per week based on a 3-day workweek. As hourly wages in Gallatin range from $32.21 for entry-level positions to $59.98 for the top earners, those with specialized credentials such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential may find opportunities to command even higher rates, particularly in cash-pay practices.
About the Gallatin 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) | $32.21 | $257.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.66 | $317.26 |
| Median (P50) | $46.10 | $368.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.71 | $429.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.98 | $479.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $46.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.10/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $95,885 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,318. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,843.95 | $7,990 | $95,885 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,106.37 | $4,794 | $57,531 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $737.58 | $3,196 | $38,354 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Gallatin) | $46.10 |
| 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 Gallatin, TN earn a median of $95,895 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.26% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $98,861.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.10/hr = $57,531/year (purchasing power: $62,670).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,885/year (purchasing power: $104,450).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$37.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$44.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $42.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $44.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.51/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gallatin grew 18.1% from $37.87/hr (2019) to $44.73/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.51/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 Gallatin 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 Gallatin
Considering the specifics of working part-time, an occupational therapist in Gallatin might take home approximately $38,000 annually by working just three days a week, a stark contrast to full-time peers whose typical earnings run closer to $95,895. The reality of per diem occupational therapist pay in Gallatin often falls between $50 to $75 per hour, with some CHT-credentialed specialists reporting earnings as high as $80 to $110 per hour. Different employer types also display distinct hourly pay scales; while skilled nursing facilities might offer lower wages due to budget constraints, outpatient hand therapy clinics and home health agencies tend to provide more competitive rates. Occupational therapists often face a decision between accepting jobs with health benefits that come at a lower hourly rate versus positions that pay higher but lack such perks. For those negotiating hourly positions in Gallatin, understanding the regional market trends, coupled with the demand for specialized services, can aid significantly in achieving desirable compensation.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Gallatin in 2026?
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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 Gallatin. 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 Gallatin 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