Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in La Vergne, TN: $62,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in La Vergne, TN earns a median $62,852/year (≈ $30.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in La Vergne's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $68,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, occupational therapy assistants in La Vergne, Tennessee, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $62,852. This figure reflects a broader salary range from $47,377 at the 10th percentile to $75,457 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for varied compensation based on experience and workplace setting. These numbers are derived from state-level estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors. While this local median is significantly lower than the national average of $74,332, the La Vergne job market offers opportunities, particularly for those who may bridge from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master's in Occupational Therapy (MOT), which can enhance lifetime earning potential.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,377 | $22.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,901 | $26.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,852 | $30.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,897 | $32.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,457 | $36.28 |
Median Salary Position
15.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Vergne
In La Vergne, TN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $28,080 (2026 est.). At $62,852, the local median is 15.44% below the national median of $74,332.
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How La Vergne Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
La Vergne median: $62,852/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Vergne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $65,813 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.44% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Vergne has a cost of living 8.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Vergne, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $62,852 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $68,466 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,010
2025 BLS Actual
$61,134
2026 Current Est.
$62,852
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary 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 | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,220 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,327 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,865 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,134 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,618 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Vergne metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,010 (2019) to $61,134 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,608 (24.24%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $47,377 – $54,901 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,901 – $62,852 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,852 – $67,897 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,897 – $75,457 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in La Vergne
With only eight occupational therapy assistants currently employed in La Vergne, the local job market presents unique dynamics. The cost of living index at 91.8 indicates that while salaries may be lower than the national average, purchasing power remains relatively accessible. Employers often pay the most for OTAs in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation, where productivity expectations can drive higher wages. The differences in pay also reflect various factors, such as the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on facilities, and the varied demands of school-year versus year-round contracts. For those in La Vergne, maximizing income may involve pursuing roles in higher-paying settings like hospitals or seeking additional certifications that enhance their skill set and marketability.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in La Vergne, TN in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in La Vergne?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $61,134 for occupational therapy assistantsin the La Vergne metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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