Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Collierville, TN: $31.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Collierville, TN runs $31.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,956 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Collierville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,570 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Collierville, TN, the projected occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at $31.71, which is below the national median of $35.74. This hourly wage offers an attractive option for part-time professionals, particularly those working three days a week. In typical settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics, a part-time occupational therapy assistant can expect to earn a stable income while balancing other commitments. For those on a per-diem basis, the hourly earnings commonly range from $21.93 to $37.83, allowing for flexibility in work schedules. The total earning potential in Collierville varies with experience, as newer occupational therapy assistants may start at the lower end of the scale, around $21.93, while experienced professionals can command rates approaching $37.83.
About the Collierville Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.93 | $175.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.43 | $211.46 |
| Median (P50) | $31.71 | $253.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.63 | $277.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.83 | $302.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Collierville
Based on $31.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.71/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Collierville, TN can expect to earn approximately $65,950 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,048. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Collierville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Collierville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,268.26 | $5,496 | $65,950 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $760.96 | $3,297 | $39,570 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $507.31 | $2,198 | $26,380 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Collierville) | $31.71 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Collierville, TN earn a median of $65,956 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.27% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.20% above the Tennessee state average of $65,824.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.71/hr = $39,570/year (purchasing power: $43,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,950/year (purchasing power: $71,841).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.84/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Collierville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.84/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Collierville grew 17.5% from $26.24/hr (2019) to $30.84/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collierville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Collierville
Examining the earning potential of a part-time occupational therapy assistant reveals interesting insights. A professional working a typical 24-hour week will take home approximately $49,236 annually, a considerable income that offers a balanced lifestyle. The per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Collierville can yield even higher returns, with hourly rates frequently falling between $30 and $45, especially in high-demand settings. Furthermore, travel contracts can provide lucrative weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, though the landscape has shifted slightly since the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut in 2022, leading to lower rates in skilled nursing facilities. The compensation in different employer types varies, presenting a trade-off where some occupational therapy assistants may choose lower hourly wages for the additional benefit of health insurance. Negotiating pay in Collierville requires an understanding of your worth in the market, with flexibility in scheduling and willingness to accept contract work often proving beneficial in achieving a desirable compensation package.
More salary data for Collierville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Collierville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Collierville?
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Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Collierville?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Collierville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Collierville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov