Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Occupational Therapists in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $98,280. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, indicating a competitive but not exceptionally high compensation landscape. Local market dynamics, including demand and the cost of living, play a significant role in shaping this compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $98,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $121,130.
- Outlook: The Nashville metropolitan area supports a local workforce of 690 Occupational Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 0.64, the concentration of these professionals is below the national average. This suggests that while there is a stable presence of OTs, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-1.0%below the national average.
$47.3
$1,890
$8,190
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this region isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists in Nashville have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic practices likely contribute to upward pressure on wages.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Nashville typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $78,150 | $37.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $73,710 | $35.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $102,280 | $49.2 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $122,850 | $59.1 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $121,130 | $58.2 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$98,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$98,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $98,280 in Nashville aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages.
Job Market Context
690
Total Jobs
0.628
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.64x 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 0.64 indicates that Occupational Therapists are less concentrated in the Nashville area compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market might be less competitive, potentially offering more job openings relative to the number of practitioners, or that the demand is steady but not exceptionally high compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $96,970↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,290↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $93,030↓ 5% | 29 mi |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $96,230↓ 2% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,290↓ 6% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $98,280. This typically ranges from $78,150 for entry-level positions to $121,130 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 1.0% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative, but stable.The average salary is slightly below the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, offering no significant financial advantage.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
Some top paying nearby cities include East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area ($96,970) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Occupational Therapists in Nashville compare to the national average?
Nashville has 0.628 Occupational Therapists per 1,000 workers, which is below the national average concentration.
What is the total number of Occupational Therapists in the Nashville area?
There are approximately 690 Occupational Therapists employed within the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan area.
Does experience impact an Occupational Therapist's salary in Nashville?
Yes, experience is a key factor, with entry-level therapists earning less and senior therapists commanding higher salaries, reflecting career progression.
How does Nashville's cost of living affect an OT's salary?
Nashville's cost of living is at the national average (100), meaning the $98,280 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 690 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 0.628 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN