Occupational Therapist Salary in Tullahoma, TN: $91,375 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Tullahoma, TN earns a median $91,375/year (≈ $43.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Tullahoma's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $99,537 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy professionals in Tullahoma, TN, can anticipate a median annual salary of $91,375 in 2026, which represents a slight decline of 11.63% compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this occupation locally spans from $71,045 at the 10th percentile to $112,323 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities and settings in which occupational therapists operate. These figures, derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the importance of credentialing and specialization. Pursuing certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can provide a competitive edge and increase potential earnings, particularly in a niche market like Tullahoma, where therapy settings can influence compensation significantly.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,045 | $34.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,891 | $36.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,375 | $43.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103,016 | $49.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,323 | $54.00 |
Median Salary Position
11.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tullahoma
In Tullahoma, TN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,278 (2026 est.). At $91,375, the local median is 11.63% below the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tullahoma: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tullahoma Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Tullahoma median: $91,375/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tullahoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $98,891 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -11.63% less |
Occupational Therapists in Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $91,375 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.63% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $98,891.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tullahoma 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.
Tullahoma, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $91,375 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $99,537 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,071
2025 BLS Actual
$88,662
2026 Current Est.
$91,375
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,071 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,246 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,619 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,344 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,163 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,640 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,662 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,375 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $94,171 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tullahoma metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $75,071 (2019) to $88,662 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $94,171 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,100 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tullahoma 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) | $71,045 – $75,891 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,891 – $91,375 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,375 – $103,016 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $103,016 – $112,323 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Tullahoma
Despite employing only four occupational therapists, the job market in Tullahoma remains stable, with a cost-of-living index of 91.8 suggesting that wages stretch further in the community. Professionals can maximize their take-home pay by considering positions in higher-paying settings such as hospital inpatient rehabilitation and outpatient hand therapy clinics, positions that often yield more generous salaries than those in school districts or skilled nursing facilities. Variability in compensation can also stem from factors including board certifications, productivity demands, and seasonal contracts, which may affect long-term earnings. Understanding these dynamics will be essential for new OTD graduates and licensed practitioners as they navigate the job market and seek out the best opportunities in Tullahoma's occupational therapy landscape.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Tullahoma, TN in 2026?
Is Tullahoma, TN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Tullahoma?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Tullahoma?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Tullahoma?
Related Pages
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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 $88,662 for occupational therapistsin the Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma 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