Occupational Therapy Assistant salary in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
Occupational Therapy Assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn a median of $64,010 a year ($30.77 an hour), based on BLS data for 150 workers.
Pay ranges from $55,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,920 for the top 10%. That is 11% lower than the national median of $72,300. Pay here is 3% higher than the Tennessee statewide median of $62,420. There are 0.25 occupational therapy assistants per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.75). The average (mean) salary is $67,710, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $55,490 | $26.68 |
| 25th percentile | $60,660 | $29.16 |
| Median | $64,010 | $30.77 |
| 75th percentile | $77,120 | $37.08 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $85,920 | $41.31 |
| Average (mean) | $67,710 | $32.55 |
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 | $5,334.17 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,667.08 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,461.92 |
| Weekly | $1,230.96 |
| Hourly | $30.77 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $64,010 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR | $80,910 | 100 |
| Fort Smith, AR-OK | $80,660 | 40 |
| Texarkana, TX-AR | $79,720 | 40 |
| Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway, AR | $78,720 | 260 |
| Jonesboro, AR | $78,660 | 90 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | $65,380 | 270 |
| Johnson City, TN | $64,810 | 40 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $64,040 | 60 |
| Jackson, MS | $63,540 | 120 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | $61,360 | 210 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $61,120 | 60 |
| Clarksville, TN-KY | $60,520 | 50 |
| Knoxville, TN | $59,930 | 210 |
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $61,560 | $29.60 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $32,780 | $15.76 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,900 | $14.86 |
| Nursing Assistant | $38,010 | $18.27 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,260 | $18.87 |
| Dental Assistant | $48,200 | $23.17 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,990 | $17.78 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,480 | $18.98 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $47,470 | $22.82 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $45,480 | $21.87 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $29,720 | $14.29 |
| Orderly | $32,140 | $15.45 |
| Massage Therapist | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $52,440 | $25.21 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Memphis, TN-MS-AR
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 Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The median salary for occupational therapy assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area is $64,010 a year, or $30.77 an hour. Pay ranges from $55,490 for the lowest-paid 10% to $85,920 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy assistants make in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
The top 10% of occupational therapy assistants in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area earn at least $85,920 a year. The top 25% earn $77,120 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy assistants in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $55,490 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy assistants earn $60,660 or less.
How many occupational therapy assistants work in Memphis, TN-MS-AR?
About 150 occupational therapy assistants are employed in the Memphis, TN-MS-AR metro area, not counting the self-employed.