Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tullahoma, TN: $60,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Tullahoma, TN earns a median $60,804/year (≈ $29.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Tullahoma's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.8), that paycheck buys what $66,235 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Tennessee state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Tullahoma, TN can expect a median annual salary of $60,804 based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026. The salary range for this role varies widely, from a lower threshold of $47,123 to a high of $70,549, demonstrating the diverse employment conditions and settings that impact compensation. These figures reflect local estimates influenced by state-level data and regional cost adjustments. While this median is notably below the national average of $74,332, Tullahoma’s job market for occupational therapy assistants shows promise, particularly as the demand for rehabilitation services continues to rise.
About the Tullahoma Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,123 | $22.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,454 | $25.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,804 | $29.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,542 | $31.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,549 | $33.92 |
Median Salary Position
18.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tullahoma
In Tullahoma, TN, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $23,426 (2026 est.). At $60,804, the local median is 18.2% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Tullahoma: You'd be above the median
How Tullahoma Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Tullahoma median: $60,804/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tullahoma Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $65,805 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -18.20% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tullahoma, TN earn a median of $60,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.20% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.60% below the Tennessee state average of $65,805.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tullahoma 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.
Tullahoma, TN has a cost-of-living index of 91.8 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $60,804 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,235 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,316
2025 BLS Actual
$59,142
2026 Current Est.
$60,804
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tullahoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,316 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,815 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,142 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,512 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tullahoma metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $50,316 (2019) to $59,142 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,512 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,196 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tullahoma 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) | $47,123 – $52,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,454 – $60,804 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,804 – $64,542 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,542 – $70,549 |
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 Tullahoma
Overall, the job market for occupational therapy assistants in Tullahoma remains limited, with only four professionals currently employed in the area, which may affect competition and availability. The cost-of-living index of 91.8 suggests that while salaries might trail behind national figures, purchasing power can be relatively favorable. Among various employers, skilled nursing facilities tend to offer the highest pay due to their reliance on OTA services, though outpatient clinics also provide competitive wages. Factors contributing to the salary range include productivity expectations and market demand, particularly the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut since 2022. For those aiming to maximize their earnings in Tullahoma, seeking roles in settings that combine hospital work with weekend shifts can often yield better compensation, alongside exploring contracts that extend across school years.
More salary data for Tullahoma, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tullahoma, TN in 2026?
Is Tullahoma, TN a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Tullahoma?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Tullahoma?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Tullahoma?
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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 $59,142 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Tullahoma 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 Tullahoma 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