Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Oak Ridge, TN: $31.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Oak Ridge, TN runs $31.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Oak Ridge's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,736 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, receive a median hourly pay of $31.04, which is noticeably lower than the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This hourly rate provides a clear picture for those considering part-time work, such as those who might work three days a week. For part-time occupational therapy assistants, typically employed in settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics, this means earning approximately $496.64 weekly. The hourly pay range for this profession varies significantly depending on experience and setting, with entry-level positions starting around $22.08 and top earners reaching about $38.88 per hour. It’s essential for potential COTAs to recognize that these figures are projected based on annual salary data and may fluctuate based on local demand and specific employer practices.
About the Oak Ridge 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) | $22.08 | $176.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.24 | $209.90 |
| Median (P50) | $31.04 | $248.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.88 | $311.06 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oak Ridge
Based on $31.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.04/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oak Ridge, TN can expect to earn approximately $64,560 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,246. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Oak Ridge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oak Ridge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.53 | $5,380 | $64,560 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.92 | $3,228 | $38,736 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.61 | $2,152 | $25,824 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Oak Ridge) | $31.04 |
| 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 Oak Ridge, TN earn a median of $64,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.14% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $65,817.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.04/hr = $38,736/year (purchasing power: $42,196).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,560/year (purchasing power: $70,327).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.68/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Oak Ridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.68/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oak Ridge grew 17.5% from $25.68/hr (2019) to $30.19/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.91/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 Oak Ridge 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 Oak Ridge
For occupational therapy assistants contemplating part-time or per diem opportunities in Oak Ridge, the financial landscape is varied. A COTA working three days a week, totaling approximately 24 hours, can expect an annual income close to $48,651, significantly lower than a full-time equivalent. For those exploring per diem roles, pay rates generally range from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts potentially offering weekly payments between $1,100 and $1,700. However, following reimbursement cuts for OTA services in 2022, many skilled nursing facilities have reduced premium pay opportunities. Competition among various employer types, such as hospital-based rehabilitation centers or school districts, further drives the differences in hourly pay. While some COTAs opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, others may prioritize higher hourly earnings without such perks. Negotiation can be crucial; applicants should research local pay rates and come prepared to discuss both their experience and other benefits when pursuing occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Oak Ridge.
More salary data for Oak Ridge, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Oak Ridge in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Oak Ridge?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Oak Ridge paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Oak Ridge?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Oak Ridge?
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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 Oak Ridge. 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 Oak Ridge 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