Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $31.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Memphis, TN runs $31.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,809 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,480 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.63 in 2026, which is noticeably below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This wage structure reflects the local economic conditions while offering opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various therapeutic settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. For part-time COTAs working three days a week, the earnings can be substantial, especially since the hourly rates for entry-level positions start at $27.43 and can reach up to $42.47 for experienced professionals. With the employment of around 150 occupational therapy assistants in the area, these hourly figures provide a competitive landscape for those embedded within the healthcare framework of Memphis.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.43 | $219.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.98 | $239.84 |
| Median (P50) | $31.63 | $253.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.47 | $339.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $31.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.63/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $65,800 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,962. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.39 | $5,483 | $65,800 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.23 | $3,290 | $39,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.15 | $2,193 | $26,320 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Memphis) | $31.63 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $65,809 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.47% lower than the national median of $74,332.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.63/hr = $39,480/year (purchasing power: $42,830).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,800/year (purchasing power: $71,383).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.21/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Memphis grew 3.9% from $29.61/hr (2019) to $30.77/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.52/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
Considering part-time opportunities, a COTA working a 24-hour week can expect to take home around $39,113 annually, whereas those working full-time could see significantly higher earnings based on consistent hours. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Memphis ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, depending on the employer and setting. Travel contracts offer attractive weekly pay, typically between $1,100 and $1,700, though the recent reduction in skilled nursing facility agency rates due to the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut may impact overall compensation. Variations in hourly rates exist across different employment types, specifically within outpatient clinics, schools, and home health organizations. Additionally, COTAs may choose to accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health benefits; negotiating based on your specific situation, whether it’s a higher hourly pay for agency work or a full-time position with health coverage, can make a significant difference in overall economic stability.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Memphis in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Memphis?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Memphis paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Memphis?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Memphis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Memphis. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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