Healthcare Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median occupational therapist salary in Chattanooga, TN is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$83,862
vs State Avg
$-932
vs National
$-9,318
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,700
$-9,300 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $55,800
25th Percentile $69,480
Median (50th) $83,862
75th Percentile $98,820
90th Percentile $114,759

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Chattanooga

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Chattanooga and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chattanooga may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Chattanooga, TN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Chattanooga, TN?
The median occupational therapist salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $83,862 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $55,800 (10th percentile) to $114,759 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Chattanooga?
Based on the median annual salary of $83,862, a occupational therapist in Chattanooga earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for occupational therapist pay?
Chattanooga's median occupational therapist salary of $83,862 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $84,794. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN?
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $83,862 in Chattanooga has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Chattanooga?
Most occupational therapist positions in Chattanooga require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.