Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, TN: $83,862 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Chattanooga: What to Expect (2026)

Chattanooga offers a median occupational therapist salary of $83,862, which is $932 below the Tennessee state average of $84,794. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Chattanooga pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Chattanooga's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $83,862 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $95,298 in an average-cost city. This makes Chattanooga an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Chattanooga spans from $55,800 at the 10th percentile to $114,759 at the 90th percentile — a $58,959 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 181,099, Chattanooga is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

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

Percentile	Chattanooga	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$55,800	$56,420	$62,000
25th Percentile	$69,480	$70,252	$77,200
Median (50th)	$83,862	$84,794	$93,180
75th Percentile	$98,820	$99,918	$109,800
90th Percentile	$114,759	$116,034	$127,510

Percentile

Chattanooga

10th Percentile

$55,800

25th Percentile

$69,480

Median (50th)

$83,862

75th Percentile

$98,820

90th Percentile

$114,759

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.

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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee