Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Knoxville, TN
Occupational Therapists in Knoxville, TN, earn an average annual salary of $86,580. This figure is notably below the national average of $99,240. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and supply dynamics within the Knoxville healthcare sector, likely contribute to this regional salary variation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $86,580 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 3.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $107,610.
- Outlook: The Knoxville, TN market for Occupational Therapists shows a moderate concentration, with a Location Quotient of 0.75, indicating a slightly lower presence compared to the national average. The total local workforce of 310 suggests a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, job market. While not a hotspot of high demand relative to the nation, the existing infrastructure supports a consistent need for these professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Knoxville, TN earns-12.8%below the national average.
$41.6
$1,665
$7,215
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in the region have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, advancements in therapeutic techniques, and general inflation, leading to a steady upward adjustment in compensation for skilled professionals.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Knoxville, TN, typically involves salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and advanced clinical judgment within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $60,500 | $29.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $64,935 | $31.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $84,390 | $40.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $108,225 | $52 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $107,610 | $51.7 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$86,580
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$86,580
Adjusted for COL (100)
Knoxville, TN, presents an interesting financial proposition for Occupational Therapists. With an average salary of $86,580 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (exactly matching the national average), the nominal salary's purchasing power is equivalent to the national average. This means that while the gross income is lower than the national average, the cost of living does not further diminish its real value, offering a stable financial baseline.
Job Market Context
310
Total Jobs
0.738
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 0.75x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.75 for Occupational Therapists in Knoxville suggests that the profession is less concentrated here than in the average U.S. location. This could imply a less saturated job market, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled therapists to find positions, though it also indicates a lower overall demand relative to the national landscape. The job market is present but not a primary hub for the profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Morristown, TN Occupational Therapists Salary | $95,500↑ 10% | 40 mi |
| Cleveland, TN Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,850↑ 8% | 75 mi |
| Asheville, NC Occupational Therapists Salary | $89,580↑ 3% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Occupational Therapists Salary | $91,970↑ 6% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,660↑ 1% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Knoxville, TN is $86,580. This typically ranges from $60,500 for entry-level positions to $107,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 12.8% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary for Occupational Therapists in Knoxville ($86,580) is significantly lower than the national average ($99,240).
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Knoxville, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Knoxville, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include Morristown, TN ($95,500) and Cleveland, TN.
How does Knoxville's cost of living compare to other cities for OTs?
Knoxville's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is precisely the national average. This means your salary in Knoxville will have the same purchasing power as it would in a typical U.S. city, despite the lower nominal salary compared to the national average for Occupational Therapists.
What is the job market like for Occupational Therapists in Knoxville?
The job market is stable with a total local workforce of 310 Occupational Therapists. The Location Quotient of 0.75 suggests a slightly lower concentration of OTs compared to the national average, indicating a moderate level of demand and opportunity.
Can an experienced Occupational Therapist expect a higher salary in Knoxville?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries for Occupational Therapists. While the average salary is $86,580, senior therapists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command higher compensation, moving into the upper salary percentiles.
How does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers affect the OT market in Knoxville?
With 0.738 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate indicates a steady, though not exceptionally high, demand for Occupational Therapists in Knoxville. This metric suggests consistent employment opportunities for those in the field.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 310 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.738 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Knoxville, TN