Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area earn an average annual salary of $62,840. This figure is slightly below the national average of $69,310, a common occurrence in metropolitan areas where local market dynamics and demand can influence compensation structures. The specific economic landscape and healthcare sector needs within this Tennessee region play a significant role in setting local pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,860.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 340 Occupational Therapy Assistants and a Location Quotient of 0.99, the job market in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, indicates a stable and near-national average concentration of these professionals. This suggests a consistent demand for their services, reflecting a healthy and robust job environment for those in the field within this metropolitan area.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN earns-9.3%below the national average.
$30.2
$1,208
$5,237
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this exact region isn't provided, it's generally observed that salaries for healthcare roles like Occupational Therapy Assistants have seen consistent, modest growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing healthcare needs, inflation, and a growing demand for specialized therapeutic services across the nation, including in vibrant markets like Nashville.
Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary Distribution in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Career progression for Occupational Therapy Assistants typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or specialized OTAs can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution clearly signify this career trajectory, with experienced professionals earning more as they accumulate skills and responsibilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $38,590 | $18.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $47,130 | $22.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $64,090 | $30.8 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $78,550 | $37.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $77,860 | $37.4 |
Detailed Occupational Therapy Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,840
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $62,840 in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an OTA's salary in this region is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the slightly lower nominal salary is balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.307
Per 1K Jobs
0.99
Location Quotient
Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN has 0.99x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants 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 0.99 for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average. This suggests a balanced job market, neither overly saturated nor significantly undersupplied, implying a competitive yet accessible environment for new and established OTAs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapy Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $64,500↑ 3% | 29 mi |
| South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $67,400↑ 7% | 29 mi |
| West Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $63,490↑ 1% | 29 mi |
| North Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $61,920↓ 1% | 29 mi |
| Clarksville, TN-KY Occupational Therapy Assistants Salary | $62,220↓ 1% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN
Hiring Occupational Therapy Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistants make in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN is $62,840. This typically ranges from $38,590 for entry-level positions to $77,860 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 9.3% lower than the national median of $69,310.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a lucrative place for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
No, but it offers balanced compensation.While the average salary of $62,840 is below the national average, it is offset by a Cost of Living Index that is also at the national average, providing comparable purchasing power.
Is Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN a good place to live for Occupational Therapy Assistants?
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 ($64,500) and South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
How does the OTA salary in Nashville compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashville is $62,840, which is approximately $6,470 less than the national average of $69,310.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) for OTAs in Nashville?
An LQ of 0.99 means the concentration of Occupational Therapy Assistants in Nashville is nearly identical to the national average, indicating a stable and representative job market.
Does experience impact OTA salaries in the Nashville area?
Yes, like most professions, OTA salaries typically increase with experience, with senior OTAs earning more than entry-level practitioners.
How does the cost of living affect the OTA salary in Nashville?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the Nashville area's cost of living is average, meaning the $62,840 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN area with a job density of 0.307 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 Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN