Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Occupational Therapists in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $94,650. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the local healthcare landscape. The pay differential is often influenced by the cost of doing business, local market saturation, and the specific needs of healthcare facilities in the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $117,390.
- Outlook: The Memphis area supports a local workforce of approximately 500 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.82, the concentration of OTs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly saturated job market. The presence of 0.808 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for these essential healthcare professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-4.6%below the national average.
$45.5
$1,820
$7,888
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Occupational Therapists nationwide and in metropolitan areas like Memphis have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is driven by increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and a growing recognition of the vital role OTs play in patient rehabilitation and well-being.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
The career trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Memphis typically shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the upper percentiles, reflecting a substantial earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $74,770 | $35.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $70,988 | $34.1 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $98,500 | $47.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $118,313 | $56.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $117,390 | $56.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $94,650 in Memphis aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in Memphis is equivalent to the national average, making it a financially neutral location in terms of cost of living relative to income.
Job Market Context
500
Total Jobs
0.808
Per 1K Jobs
0.82
Location Quotient
Memphis, TN-MS-AR has 0.82x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.82 indicates that Occupational Therapists are slightly less concentrated in Memphis compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is well-established, there may be opportunities for new professionals to enter the market without facing intense competition, and employers might be actively seeking qualified candidates.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR Occupational Therapists Salary | $104,500↑ 10% | 64 mi |
| Jackson, TN Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,310↓ 5% | 74 mi |
Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $94,650. This typically ranges from $74,770 for entry-level positions to $117,390 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 4.6% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Moderately lucrative, with strong purchasing power.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings will stretch as far as they would elsewhere in the country.
Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jonesboro, AR ($104,500) and Jackson, TN.
How does the Memphis OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Memphis is $94,650, which is approximately $4,590 less than the national average of $99,240.
What is the concentration of Occupational Therapists in Memphis?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.82, indicating that Occupational Therapists are slightly less prevalent in Memphis compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in Memphis affect an OT's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Memphis is on par with the national average. This means the $94,650 salary offers average purchasing power, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What does the job market look like for Occupational Therapists in Memphis?
The job market appears stable, with a local workforce of 500 OTs and a moderate presence relative to the national average, suggesting consistent demand without excessive competition.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 0.808 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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR