Occupational Therapist Salary in Smyrna, TN: $99,963 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Smyrna, TN earns a median $99,963/year (≈ $48.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Smyrna's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $108,892 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Smyrna, TN, can expect a median annual salary of $99,963 in 2026, reflecting a competitive compensation level amidst recent challenges in the healthcare sector. Since the Medicare cuts impacted both skilled nursing facilities and outpatient services post-2022, the compensation landscape has been reshaped. Salaries in Smyrna range from $71,153 at the lower 10th percentile to $128,085 at the upper 90th percentile, with estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments. These figures highlight the balance of demand and funding challenges facing occupational therapists, particularly in settings with direct Medicare billing, shaping both job stability and earning potential in the local market.
About the Smyrna Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,153 | $34.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,254 | $39.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,963 | $48.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $117,150 | $56.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $128,085 | $61.58 |
Median Salary Position
3.32% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Smyrna
In Smyrna, TN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,932 (2026 est.). At $99,963, the local median is 3.32% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Smyrna Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Smyrna median: $99,963/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Smyrna Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $98,875 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -3.32% less |
Occupational Therapists in Smyrna, TN earn a median of $99,963 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.32% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% above the Tennessee state average of $98,875.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Smyrna has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Smyrna, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $99,963 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,892 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,126
2025 BLS Actual
$96,995
2026 Current Est.
$99,963
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Smyrna (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,126 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,412 | Actual |
| 2021 | $82,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $90,083 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,167 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,656 | Actual |
| 2025 | $96,995 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,963 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,022 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Smyrna metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $82,126 (2019) to $96,995 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,022 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,896 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Smyrna 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) | $71,153 – $81,254 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,254 – $99,963 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,963 – $117,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $117,150 – $128,085 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Smyrna
Smyrna's job market includes 12 occupational therapists, a relatively small but focused professional community. The cost of living index stands at 91.8, indicating that the purchasing power is slightly above average compared to national figures, which can greatly influence take-home income for local therapists. Employers offering competitive pay typically include skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab centers, which often value specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) designation and offer premium compensation for board-certified professionals. Variability in earnings is largely driven by practice setting, with hospitals generally offering higher salaries than schools or outpatient settings. To maximize pay, aspiring occupational therapists in Smyrna should consider pursuing advanced certifications and explore employment opportunities in high-demand facilities, particularly those that require year-round contracts, as these tend to offer greater job security and higher salaries despite the recent Medicare cuts impacting other sectors.
More salary data for Smyrna, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Smyrna, TN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K in Smyrna?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Smyrna?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Smyrna?
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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 $96,995 for occupational therapistsin the Smyrna 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
Salary data for Smyrna 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