Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Murfreesboro, TN: $31.75 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Murfreesboro, TN runs $31.75 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,026 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Murfreesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,621 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murfreesboro, TN, the projected median hourly pay for an occupational therapy assistant is $31.75 in 2026. While this rate falls below the national average of $35.74, it reflects the local economic conditions and cost of living index, which is slightly below the national average. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can lead to diverse earning scenarios based on hours worked and job settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, or outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range spans from $22.64 for entry-level positions to $39.92 for those at the top of their field, illustrating the potential for both new and experienced COTAs to find their niche in a growing job market.
About the Murfreesboro 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) | $22.64 | $181.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.96 | $215.65 |
| Median (P50) | $31.75 | $253.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.78 | $286.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.92 | $319.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murfreesboro
Based on $31.75/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.75/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murfreesboro, TN can expect to earn approximately $66,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,097. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murfreesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murfreesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,269.91 | $5,503 | $66,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $761.95 | $3,302 | $39,621 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.96 | $2,201 | $26,414 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Murfreesboro) | $31.75 |
| 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 Murfreesboro, TN earn a median of $66,026 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.17% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.30% above the Tennessee state average of $65,828.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.75/hr = $39,621/year (purchasing power: $43,160).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,035/year (purchasing power: $71,934).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.75/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Murfreesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.75/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murfreesboro grew 17.5% from $26.27/hr (2019) to $30.88/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.64/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 Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro
Earning potential can significantly vary for occupational therapy assistants in Murfreesboro, particularly for those opting for part-time roles or per diem work. A COTA working 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $39,918 annually, compared to a full-time occupational therapy assistant's earnings. Additionally, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Murfreesboro often ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, while some travel COTA contracts can bring weekly amounts between $1,100 and $1,700. Despite challenges due to reimbursement cuts for agency COTAs, those working in diverse environments like schools or outpatient clinics may negotiate varying rates based on employer type. The trade-off between accepting a lower hourly rate for comprehensive benefits versus higher pay without benefits adds an important layer when job hunting. For those looking to maximize earnings, conveying a strong skillset and flexibility may bolster negotiation power in this competitive field.
More salary data for Murfreesboro, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Murfreesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Murfreesboro?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Murfreesboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Murfreesboro?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Murfreesboro?
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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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro 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