Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Knoxville, TN: $58,878 (2026)

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Knoxville: What to Expect (2026)

Knoxville offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878, which is $654 below the Tennessee state average of $59,532. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Knoxville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Knoxville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $58,878 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $66,907 in an average-cost city. This makes Knoxville an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Knoxville spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,800 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 190,740, Knoxville is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,400

$-6,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,200

$-8,800 vs national

Percentile	Knoxville	TN State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$38,220	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,800	$47,320	$52,000
Median (50th)	$58,878	$59,532	$65,420
75th Percentile	$72,000	$72,800	$80,000
90th Percentile	$82,800	$83,720	$92,000

Percentile

Knoxville

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$46,800

Median (50th)

$58,878

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$82,800

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Knoxville

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Knoxville and the surrounding Tennessee area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Knoxville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Knoxville

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Knoxville, TN? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Knoxville, Tennessee is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Knoxville? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,878, a occupational therapy assistant in Knoxville earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Knoxville compare to the Tennessee state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Knoxville's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $59,532. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Knoxville, TN? ▼

Knoxville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 in Knoxville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Knoxville? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Knoxville require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee