Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $30.22 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in La Vergne, TN runs $30.22 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,852 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,709 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, Tennessee, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to reach $30.22 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national median of $35.74. This disparity impacts both full-time employees and those working part-time or per diem. For part-time assistants working three days a week, with a typical schedule accommodating 24 hours, this translates to a substantial annual income, albeit still less competitive compared to national averages. Earnings can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting around $22.77 per hour, while top earners in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient clinics may see rates climb up to $36.28. Such hourly rates are derived from estimated annual salaries, indicative of how pay structures function across various health settings in La Vergne, including hospitals, schools, and homes.
About the La Vergne 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) | $22.77 | $182.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.13 |
| Median (P50) | $30.22 | $241.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.64 | $261.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.28 | $290.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $30.22/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.22/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $62,849 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,259. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,208.63 | $5,237 | $62,849 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.18 | $3,142 | $37,709 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.45 | $2,095 | $25,140 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (La Vergne) | $30.22 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $62,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.44% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $65,813.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.22/hr = $37,709/year (purchasing power: $41,078).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,849/year (purchasing power: $68,463).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.22/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.22/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Vergne grew 17.5% from $25.00/hr (2019) to $29.39/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.06/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a 24-hour workweek would yield around $31,610 annually, significantly lower than a full-time salary. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in La Vergne can range from $30 to $45 an hour, showcasing higher flexibility but also variability, especially with recent changes in reimbursement impacting skilled nursing facilities. For travel contracts, COTAs might earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, drawing a stark contrast to traditional employment settings. As hourly rates differ across employer types—such as educational institutions or outpatient programs—assistants may find themselves weighing lower hourly rates with benefits against higher pay without comprehensive health coverage. A practical negotiation tip is to discuss total compensation, including health, retirement benefits, and potential for upward mobility, especially when considering roles in private practices or agencies in La Vergne.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in La Vergne in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in La Vergne?
Are occupational therapy assistants in La Vergne paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in La Vergne?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in La Vergne?
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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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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