Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Kingsport, TN: $47.95 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Kingsport, TN runs $47.95 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,752 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Kingsport's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.4, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,846 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapist hourly pay in Kingsport, Tennessee, is set at a median rate of $47.95 in 2026. This figure lags slightly behind the national median of $49.71, reflecting local market conditions and the cost of living, which is below the national average. Part-time occupational therapists working three days a week can find this hourly wage appealing, translating into a substantial income while managing a more flexible schedule. Those looking for per-diem opportunities typically see earnings that range significantly, with some positions in hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, or outpatient clinics offering between $28.83 and $57.83 hourly. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, highlights the earning potential for entry-level positions as well as the upper-tier salaries for experienced professionals in the field.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28.83 | $230.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.51 | $300.11 |
| Median (P50) | $47.95 | $383.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.30 | $418.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.83 | $462.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kingsport
Based on $47.95/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.95/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kingsport, TN can expect to earn approximately $99,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,545. With a cost-of-living index of 86.45 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Kingsport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kingsport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,918.15 | $8,312 | $99,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,150.89 | $4,987 | $59,846 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $767.26 | $3,325 | $39,898 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Kingsport) | $47.95 |
| 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 Kingsport, TN earn a median of $99,752 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.53% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% above the Tennessee state average of $98,862.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.95/hr = $59,846/year (purchasing power: $69,229).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,744/year (purchasing power: $115,382).
CoL index: 86.447 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.53/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.95/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Kingsport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.53/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.95/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kingsport grew 8.9% from $42.71/hr (2019) to $46.53/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.42/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 Kingsport 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 Kingsport
In a part-time capacity, an occupational therapist in Kingsport can expect to earn around $60,000 annually when working 24 hours per week. This ensures a reasonable income without the demands of full-time hours, allowing for work-life balance that is increasingly valued in today's workforce. On the other hand, per diem occupational therapists can command higher rates, typically billing anywhere from $50 to $75 an hour for flexible assignments. For specialized roles, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs), rates can climb to between $80 and $110 per hour, especially in cash-pay clinics. Depending on the employer type—ranging from skilled nursing facilities to mental health agencies—hourly compensation can vary significantly. Therapists should consider the benefits package when evaluating pay; positions with lower hourly rates may offer health insurance, while independent contractors or those seeking the highest pay might give up those benefits. Negotiating effectively can lead to improved pay, so professionals in Kingsport should emphasize their advanced qualifications, including OTD degrees or specialty certifications, during salary discussions.
More salary data for Kingsport, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Kingsport 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 Kingsport. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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