Knoxville vs La Vergne: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Knoxville, TN and La Vergne, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Knoxville, TN | La Vergne, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,614 | $62,852▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.62 | $30.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,582 | $47,377▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $24,582 | $54,901▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,781 | $67,897▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,933▲ | $75,457 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Knoxville and La Vergne are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Knoxville and La Vergne is $1,238 (2.01%). La Vergne's median is -15.44% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Knoxville spans $52,351,La Vergne spans $28,080. Knoxville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, La Vergne ($68,466 effective) pays 2.86% 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 Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,933)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose La Vergne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,852/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,466)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Knoxville grew -2.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.6% growth in La Vergne over the same period.
Knoxville, TN
$61,140 (2019) → $59,930 (2025)
La Vergne, TN
$57,865 (2024) → $61,134 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Knoxville, TN
La Vergne, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Knoxville or La Vergne?
What is the hourly rate difference between Knoxville and La Vergne?
Should I relocate from Knoxville to La Vergne as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Knoxville vs La Vergne?
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