Johnson City vs Knoxville: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $66,631▲ | $61,614 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.04▲ | $29.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,901▲ | $24,582 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,349▲ | $24,582 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,130▲ | $64,781 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,198▲ | $76,933 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Johnson City, TN offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Knoxville.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $5,017 (8.14%). Johnson City's median is -10.36% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $38,297,Knoxville spans $52,351. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Johnson City ($75,779 effective) pays 13.85% more than Knoxville ($66,560 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,631/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($89,198)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,779)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Johnson City grew 3.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.0% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$62,710 (2019) → $64,810 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$61,140 (2019) → $59,930 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov