Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $98,896 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Chattanooga, TN earns a median $98,896/year (≈ $47.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Chattanooga's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $108,126 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Chattanooga, TN, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapists in 2026 stands at $98,896, reflecting a competitive edge in compensation compared to the broader national average of $103,400. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, from a low of $60,239 at the 10th percentile to a high of $117,839 at the 90th percentile, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys. With steady demand for occupational therapy services, particularly as the industry adapts to evolving healthcare requirements, specialized certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can further enhance earning potential. The diverse healthcare settings in Chattanooga, from rehabilitation facilities to schools, contribute to this dynamic salary structure.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,239 | $28.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,634 | $39.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $98,896 | $47.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $106,389 | $51.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,839 | $56.65 |
Median Salary Position
4.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chattanooga
In Chattanooga, TN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,600 (2026 est.). At $98,896, the local median is 4.36% below the national median of $103,400.
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At 40 hours/week in Chattanooga: You'd be above the median
How Chattanooga Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Chattanooga median: $98,896/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chattanooga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $103,400 | -4.36% less |
Occupational Therapists in Chattanooga, TN earn a median of $98,896 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% lower than the national median of $103,400.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chattanooga has a cost of living 8.54% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chattanooga, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.464 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $98,896 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,126 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.33% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$80,570
2025 BLS Actual
$95,960
2026 Current Est.
$98,896
2019–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Chattanooga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $80,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $81,930 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $98,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,930 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,896 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,923 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chattanooga metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 19.1% from $80,570 (2019) to $95,960 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $101,923 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,353 (26.50%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chattanooga 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,239 – $81,634 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,634 – $98,896 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $98,896 – $106,389 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $106,389 – $117,839 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Chattanooga
In examining the occupational therapist pay in Chattanooga TN, approximately 290 professionals are currently employed in this field, navigating a cost-of-living index of 91.464 that suggests a relatively affordable standard of living compared to national averages. Skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to offer higher salaries, while school districts and early intervention programs may provide more stable hours, albeit at a potentially lower pay scale. The salary variance often correlates with factors such as certifications, productivity expectations, and the influence of contracts, especially when considering the seasonal nature of school-based positions. For occupational therapists aspiring to maximize their income, pursuing additional certifications like the CHT and exploring opportunities in higher-paying healthcare environments can yield significant benefits in this growing market.
More salary data for Chattanooga, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Chattanooga, TN in 2026?
Is Chattanooga, TN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Chattanooga?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Chattanooga?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Chattanooga?
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,960 for occupational therapistsin the Chattanooga metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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