Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Morristown, TN: $31.33 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Morristown, TN runs $31.33 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,165 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Morristown's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.12 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,095 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Morristown, TN, receive a median hourly rate of $31.33, which falls below the national average of $35.74. This hourly wage opens up various opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work, particularly in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. Those working part-time, for instance three days a week, can expect to earn a steady income, making the role accessible for those balancing other commitments. For entry-level professionals, hourly pay starts at approximately $22.88, while experienced COTAs can earn up to $36.70 per hour as they advance in their careers.
About the Morristown 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) | $22.88 | $183.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.84 | $214.75 |
| Median (P50) | $31.33 | $250.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.36 | $266.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.70 | $293.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Morristown
Based on $31.33/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.33/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Morristown, TN can expect to earn approximately $65,159 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,591. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Morristown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Morristown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,253.05 | $5,430 | $65,159 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $751.83 | $3,258 | $39,095 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.22 | $2,172 | $26,063 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Morristown) | $31.33 |
| 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 Morristown, TN earn a median of $65,165 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.33% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.00% below the Tennessee state average of $65,823.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.33/hr = $39,095/year (purchasing power: $42,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,159/year (purchasing power: $70,979).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.47/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.33/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Morristown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.24/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.33/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Morristown grew 17.5% from $25.92/hr (2019) to $30.47/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.21/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 Morristown 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 Morristown
When considering part-time employment, a three-day work week translates to about 24 hours, equating to an annual income of around $38,950, contrasting sharply with full-time earnings. The reality of per diem and contract work leads to variability in pay, with many per diem occupational therapy assistants in Morristown earning between $30 and $45 per hour. Moreover, travel contracts can yield weekly payments ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, although the recent reductions in skilled nursing facility reimbursements have lowered premium rates. Variations in hourly pay exist across employer types—such as outpatient clinics and school districts—and some occupational therapy assistants opt for lower hourly rates for the benefits of health insurance. Negotiating pay in Morristown involves understanding these dynamics and knowing when to prioritize hourly rates versus comprehensive benefits.
More salary data for Morristown, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Morristown in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Morristown?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Morristown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Morristown?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Morristown?
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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 Morristown. 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 Morristown 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