Occupational Therapy Aide salary in Tennessee
Occupational Therapy Aides in Tennessee earn a median of $27,840 a year ($13.39 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $25,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,090 for the top 10%. That is 29% lower than the national median of $39,160. Tennessee ranks 26th of 27 states for occupational therapy aides pay. There are 0.01 occupational therapy aides per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.45). The average (mean) salary is $31,980, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in Tennessee
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $25,700 | $12.36 |
| 25th percentile | $25,700 | $12.36 |
| Median | $27,840 | $13.39 |
| 75th percentile | $38,490 | $18.50 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $40,090 | $19.27 |
| Average (mean) | $31,980 | $15.37 |
Half of occupational therapy aides 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 | $2,320 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,160 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,070.77 |
| Weekly | $535.38 |
| Hourly | $13.39 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
Related jobs in Tennessee
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $62,500 | $30.05 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $62,420 | $30.01 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $30,320 | $14.58 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $32,130 | $15.45 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,990 | $18.27 |
| Medical Assistant | $39,570 | $19.02 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,720 | $22.46 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,320 | $17.46 |
| Phlebotomist | $38,550 | $18.53 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $46,990 | $22.59 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $44,720 | $21.50 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $47,940 | $23.05 |
| Massage Therapist | $50,070 | $24.07 |
| Orderly | $31,840 | $15.31 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Tennessee
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. 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 aide make in Tennessee?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in Tennessee is $27,840 a year, or $13.39 an hour. Pay ranges from $25,700 for the lowest-paid 10% to $40,090 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in Tennessee?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in Tennessee earn at least $40,090 a year. The top 25% earn $38,490 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in Tennessee?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $25,700 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $25,700 or less.
How many occupational therapy aides work in Tennessee?
About 40 occupational therapy aides are employed in Tennessee, not counting the self-employed.