Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Knoxville, TN
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn a median of $59,930 a year ($28.81 an hour), based on BLS data for 210 workers.
Pay ranges from $23,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,830 for the top 10%. That is 17% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 4% lower than the Tennessee statewide median of $62,420. There are 0.50 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is 1.5× more common than nationally. The average (mean) salary is $49,960, close to the median.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Knoxville, TN
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $23,910 | $11.50 |
| 25th percentile | $23,910 | $11.50 |
| Median | $59,930 | $28.81 |
| 75th percentile | $63,010 | $30.29 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,830 | $35.98 |
| Average (mean) | $49,960 | $24.02 |
Half of occupational therapy assistants earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,994.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,497.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,305 |
| Weekly | $1,152.50 |
| Hourly | $28.81 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $59,930 salary, see how much house you can afford in Tennessee at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $65,380 | 270 |
| Johnson City, TN | $64,810 | 40 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $64,040 | 60 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $64,010 | 150 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $61,360 | 210 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $60,520 | 50 |
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Maryland | $82,010 |
| California | $81,770 |
| Texas | $81,500 |
| Nevada | $79,510 |
| Arkansas | $78,940 |
| Delaware | $78,640 |
| Washington | $77,590 |
| New Mexico | $77,020 |
| Oregon | $76,850 |
| Georgia | $75,920 |
See Occupational Therapy Assistant pay in every state or the Tennessee statewide figures.
Related jobs in Knoxville, TN
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $60,280 | $28.98 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,200 | $14.52 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,710 | $15.73 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,000 | $18.27 |
| Medical Assistant | $38,880 | $18.69 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,790 | $22.49 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $35,660 | $17.15 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $37,860 | $18.20 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,250 | $22.24 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,120 | $22.66 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,700 | $14.28 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $43,260 | $20.80 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Knoxville, TN
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2011. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make in Knoxville, TN?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area is $59,930 a year, or $28.81 an hour. Pay ranges from $23,910 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,830 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Knoxville, TN?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Knoxville, TN metro area earn at least $74,830 a year. The top 25% earn $63,010 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Knoxville, TN?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $23,910 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $23,910 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Knoxville, TN?
About 210 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Knoxville, TN metro area, not counting the self-employed.