Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Knoxville, TN
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Knoxville, TN earn an average annual salary of $54,140. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310. Local economic factors and demand dynamics specific to the Knoxville region likely contribute to this salary differential, influencing compensation levels for healthcare support roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,140 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 13.3% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,340.
- Outlook: The Knoxville, TN job market for Occupational Therapy Assistants shows a moderate level of concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.61, suggesting a presence that is 61% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 210 professionals, this concentration points to a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for these essential healthcare support roles within the community.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Knoxville, TN earns-21.9%below the national average.
$26
$1,041
$4,512
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Knoxville's Occupational Therapy Assistant salaries over the past four years is not provided, it is generally assumed that compensation in this field has seen incremental growth, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, increased healthcare needs, and inflation typically drive modest annual salary increases for allied health professionals, including OT Assistants.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Knoxville, TN
Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Knoxville, TN, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $23,220 | $11.2 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $40,605 | $19.5 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $59,680 | $28.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $67,675 | $32.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,340 | $37.2 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,140
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,140
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,140 in Knoxville, TN, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OT Assistant's salary in Knoxville is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without significant cost-of-living advantages or disadvantages compared to other major US cities.
Job Market Context
210
Total Jobs
0.501
Per 1K Jobs
1.61
Location Quotient
Knoxville, TN has 1.6x 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.
Knoxville, TN, exhibits a significant concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.61. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is considerably higher relative to the national average. While this suggests a robust local market, it also implies a potentially competitive environment for new entrants seeking positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Asheville, NC Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $70,470↑ 30% | 83 mi |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $65,780↑ 21% | 87 mi |
| Johnson City, TN Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $64,840↑ 20% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Knoxville, TN
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Knoxville, TN is $54,140. This typically ranges from $23,220 for entry-level positions to $77,340 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Knoxville, TN is 21.9% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Knoxville, TN a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $54,140 is below the national average, Knoxville's cost of living is also at the national average. This means your earnings will have standard purchasing power, but they won't exceed typical national compensation levels.
Is Knoxville, TN a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
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 Asheville, NC ($70,470) and Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA.
How does Knoxville's OT Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Knoxville, TN is $54,140, which is lower than the national average of $69,310.
What is the concentration of OT Assistants in Knoxville?
Knoxville has a higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.61.
How does the cost of living in Knoxville affect salary perception?
Knoxville's cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the $54,140 salary offers average purchasing power, neither significantly boosting nor hindering the perceived value of the income.
What does the local workforce size suggest about job availability?
With a local workforce of 210 Occupational Therapy Assistants, the market is established but may not indicate rapid job growth, suggesting steady but potentially limited opportunities for new professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Knoxville, TN area with a job density of 0.501 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 Knoxville, TN