Salary data · Tennessee
Occupational therapy assistant salary in Tennessee
Occupational therapy assistants in Tennessee earn a mean of $60,550 a year and a median of $62,420, 14.4% below the national mean of $70,710. That ranks 46th of the 50 states with a published estimate.
$60,550
Mean annual wage
about $29 an hour
$62,420
Median annual wage
46th of 50
State rank
by mean wage
1,300
OTAs employed
BLS estimate
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025 estimates. These are estimates for occupational therapy assistants already employed in Tennessee, not offers; the hourly figure divides the annual mean by 2,080 hours. Setting, specialty and caseload move an individual offer well above or below them. Updated October 22, 2026.
By metro
Occupational therapy assistant pay by metro in Tennessee
| Metro | Mean | Median | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | $67,710 | $64,010 | 150 |
| Johnson City | $66,750 | $64,810 | 40 |
| Nashville | $64,830 | $65,380 | 270 |
| Chattanooga | $52,830 | $61,360 | 210 |
| Knoxville | $49,960 | $59,930 | 210 |
Source: BLS OEWS metropolitan estimates. Suppressed cells show n/a.
The market
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Tennessee
Source: NPPES monthly file, October 2026 (CMS, public domain), as of October 2026.
Licensed in another state?
Tennessee is a OT Compact member and is issuing compact privileges: occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants licensed in another member state can obtain a privilege to practice in Tennessee without applying for a new state license.
How the OT Compact works →Open roles
OTA openings in Tennessee
Other roles in Tennessee
Thinking about a OTA move in Tennessee?
Send a resume and a few lines on the setting, schedule and pay you want. A licensed clinician reads every one, and it stays confidential.