Occupational Therapist Salary in Tennessee: $100,513 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Tennessee's 30 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $100,513/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because Tennessee sits at BEA RPP 91.8 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $109,491 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Nashville ($100,630), Memphis ($99,960), Franklin ($99,418).
The average median salary for occupational therapists in Tennessee is projected to be $100,512 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $103,400, indicating a 2.8% difference. Nashville leads the state with an average salary of $103,709, while Jackson offers the lowest at $90,033, resulting in a gap of $13,676 between these cities. This salary disparity can be attributed to factors such as cost of living, demand for healthcare services, and the concentration of healthcare facilities in urban versus rural areas. Tennessee has specific licensing requirements that prioritize education and clinical experience, with a focus on the ability to provide care across various settings. The demand for occupational therapists is supported by an aging population, increased awareness of rehabilitation services, and a growing emphasis on preventative care. The projected annual growth rate for occupational therapy jobs in the state is 3.06%, reflecting a positive outlook for employment opportunities in the coming years. Key cities forecasted for growth include Memphis at $103,019, Franklin at $102,460, Murfreesboro at $101,872, and Clarksville at $100,453, suggesting that job seekers may find promising options in both urban and suburban settings throughout Tennessee.
Tennessee Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in Tennessee: $59,950 (lowest entry-level) to $135,751 (highest top earner)
Tennessee vs National Average
Tennessee occupational therapists earn 2.79% less than the national median ($-2,887/year difference).
Tennessee Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in Tennessee range from $69,876 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $122,952 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $100,513. The Tennessee median is $2,887 below the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $48.32/hr. Approximately 2,342 occupational therapists are employed across 30 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$82,905
2025 BLS Actual
$97,528
2026 Current Est.
$100,513
2019–2027 Growth
+24.9%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tennessee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,905 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,837 | Actual |
| 2021 | $87,147 | Actual |
| 2022 | $92,752 | Actual |
| 2023 | $94,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,516 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,513 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,588 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tennessee metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 17.6% from $82,905 (2019) to $97,528 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,588 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,683 (24.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tennessee 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Tennessee
Lowest Paying Cities in Tennessee
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Jackson | $90,033 |
| Tullahoma | $91,375 |
| Sevierville | $93,368 |
| Maryville | $93,907 |
| Cookeville | $93,969 |
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in Tennessee
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Tennessee cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kingsport | $99,752 | 86.447 | $115,391 |
| Memphis | $103,019 | 92.179 | $111,760 |
| Franklin | $102,460 | 91.8 | $111,612 |
| Johnson City | $97,845 | 87.928 | $111,279 |
| Morristown | $95,856 | 86.364 | $110,991 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Tennessee
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $69,876 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $100,513 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $122,952 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Tennessee metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 30 Cities in Tennessee
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nashville | $103,709 |
| 2 | Memphis | $103,019 |
| 3 | Franklin | $102,460 |
| 4 | Murfreesboro | $101,872 |
| 5 | Clarksville | $100,453 |
| 6 | Smyrna | $99,963 |
| 7 | Kingsport | $99,752 |
| 8 | Bartlett | $99,462 |
| 9 | Collierville | $99,118 |
| 10 | Chattanooga | $98,896 |
| 11 | Spring Hill | $98,357 |
| 12 | Johnson City | $97,845 |
| 13 | Knoxville | $97,381 |
| 14 | Lebanon | $97,038 |
| 15 | Oak Ridge | $97,031 |
| 16 | Cleveland | $96,593 |
| 17 | Columbia | $96,379 |
| 18 | Germantown | $96,256 |
| 19 | Hendersonville | $96,063 |
| 20 | Gallatin | $95,895 |
| 21 | Morristown | $95,856 |
| 22 | Brentwood | $95,396 |
| 23 | Shelbyville | $94,654 |
| 24 | Mount Juliet | $94,651 |
| 25 | La Vergne | $94,452 |
| 26 | Cookeville | $93,969 |
| 27 | Maryville | $93,907 |
| 28 | Sevierville | $93,368 |
| 29 | Tullahoma | $91,375 |
| 30 | Jackson | $90,033 |
More Tennessee Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in Tennessee cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Tennessee in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in Tennessee?
How does Tennessee occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in Tennessee?
How many occupational therapists are employed in Tennessee?
Which Tennessee city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across Tennessee. State averages are employment-weighted across 30 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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