Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Chattanooga, TN-GA
The average salary for Occupational Therapy Assistantss in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $49,980. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN-GA may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Chattanooga, TN-GA is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.94x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,010.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapy Assistantss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 160 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Chattanooga, TN-GA economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA earns-27.9%below the national average.
$24
$961
$4,165
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapy Assistants salaries in Chattanooga, TN-GA have seen a slight adjustment of -23.9%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Chattanooga, TN-GA
The earning potential for Occupational Therapy Assistantss in Chattanooga, TN-GA varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.3x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $22,950, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $76,010.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $22,950 | $11 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $37,485 | $18 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,580 | $28.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $62,475 | $30 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $76,010 | $36.5 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Chattanooga, TN-GA, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $49,980 to $49,980.
Job Market Context
160
Total Jobs
0.603
Per 1K Jobs
1.94
Location Quotient
Chattanooga, TN-GA has 1.9x the national concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
160 people work as Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA.
Only 0.603 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapy Assistants roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Rome, GA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $72,570↑ 45% | 55 mi |
| Huntsville, AL Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $66,610↑ 33% | 83 mi |
Comparing salaries near Chattanooga, TN-GA
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Chattanooga, TN-GA?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Chattanooga, TN-GA is $49,980. This typically ranges from $22,950 for entry-level positions to $76,010 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 27.9% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place for Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Yes, Chattanooga, TN-GA is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($49,980), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Occupational Therapy Assistantss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Chattanooga, TN-GA a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Chattanooga, TN-GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Chattanooga, TN-GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Rome, GA ($72,570) and Huntsville, AL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 160 employees in the Chattanooga, TN-GA area with a job density of 0.603 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 Therapy Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Chattanooga, TN-GA