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Average Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area earn an average annual salary of $62,980. This figure is notably below the national average of $69,310, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and supply, play a significant role in compensation within this region.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $62,980 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $79,020.
  • Outlook: The Memphis area supports a local workforce of 270 Occupational Therapy Assistants, with a location quotient of 1.38, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a robust and established market for OTAs, potentially pointing to consistent demand and opportunities within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$62,980

The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR earns-9.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.3

Weekly

$1,211

Monthly

$5,248

Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Salary progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Memphis typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps highlight clear career advancement pathways.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience.10% (Entry)$49,340$23.7
Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures.25% (Junior)$47,235$22.7
Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification.50% (Median)$61,890$29.8
SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases.75% (Senior)$78,725$37.8
Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider.90% (Expert)$79,020$38

Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$62,980

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$62,980

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $62,980 in Memphis aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OTA's salary in Memphis is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing without the added pressure of higher living expenses.

Job Market Context

270

Total Jobs

0.429

Per 1K Jobs

1.38

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.38, Memphis, TN-MS-AR has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants roles compared to the national norm.

With a location quotient of 1.38, the Memphis area exhibits a concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants that is 38% higher than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet potentially abundant job market, where employers may have a strong pool of local talent to draw from, influencing hiring dynamics.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants

Comparing salaries near Memphis, TN-MS-AR

Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?

The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR is $62,980. This typically ranges from $49,340 for entry-level positions to $79,020 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 9.1% lower than the national median of $69,310.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $62,980 is below the national average of $69,310, indicating less lucrative compensation compared to the rest of the country.

Is Memphis, TN-MS-AR a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?

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 ($79,910) and Jackson, TN.

How does the local OTA workforce compare to the national average?

The Memphis area has a higher concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants, as indicated by a location quotient of 1.38, meaning there are more OTAs per worker in Memphis than the national average.

What is the significance of the jobs per 1,000 workers metric?

The 0.429 jobs per 1,000 workers metric suggests that for every thousand individuals employed in the Memphis area, approximately 0.429 are Occupational Therapy Assistants, providing a localized view of job density.

Does experience impact OTA salaries in Memphis?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary determination for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Memphis, with senior roles commanding higher compensation than entry-level positions.

How does the cost of living affect the OTA salary in Memphis?

The cost of living in Memphis is at the national average (100), meaning the $62,980 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without being diminished by high living expenses.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR area with a job density of 0.429 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.