Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Gallatin, TN: $30.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Gallatin, TN runs $30.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Gallatin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,287 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gallatin, TN, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay for 2026 is set at $30.68, which falls below the national median of $35.74. This hourly rate is particularly relevant for part-time workers, who may typically find employment in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and through home health visits. For those working three days a week, this rate translates to significant earning potential for all career stages. Entry-level COTAs may earn around $21.35, while experienced professionals can make up to $37.73 per hour. Understanding this range is crucial for any prospective occupational therapy assistant contemplating career development and work dynamics in various therapeutic environments.
About the Gallatin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.35 | $170.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.36 | $218.86 |
| Median (P50) | $30.68 | $245.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.69 | $269.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.73 | $301.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Gallatin
Based on $30.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.68/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Gallatin, TN can expect to earn approximately $63,811 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,814. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Gallatin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Gallatin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,227.14 | $5,318 | $63,811 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $736.28 | $3,191 | $38,287 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $490.86 | $2,127 | $25,525 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Gallatin) | $30.68 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gallatin, TN earn a median of $63,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.00% below the Tennessee state average of $65,785.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.68/hr = $38,287/year (purchasing power: $41,707).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,811/year (purchasing power: $69,511).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Gallatin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.54/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gallatin grew 17.5% from $25.39/hr (2019) to $29.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.54/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallatin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Gallatin
Exploring the earning possibilities further, COTAs working part-time at 24 hours per week could expect to take home significantly less than full-time counterparts, highlighting the economic realities of the profession. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Gallatin can range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering weekly earnings of $1,100 to $1,700. However, it’s important to note that the premium pay for agency COTAs has experienced pressure since the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services took effect in 2022, affecting overall compensation structures. Employers in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school contracts may offer varying pay rates based on their budget and operational needs. For many COTAs, the trade-off between lower hourly wages with benefits and higher rates without them is a frequent consideration. Those seeking to negotiate their hourly rates should come prepared with local data and comparisons to secure the best possible compensation in Gallatin.
More salary data for Gallatin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Gallatin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Gallatin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Gallatin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Gallatin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Gallatin?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Gallatin. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Gallatin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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