Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Lebanon, TN: $31.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Lebanon, TN runs $31.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,572 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Lebanon's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lebanon, Tennessee, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $31.05 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74, indicating that COTAs in this area may experience a salary compression relative to their counterparts across the country. For those considering part-time work, such as three days a week, this pay translates to a workable income in various settings including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level positions begin around $22.22 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $36.98, creating room for growth and specialized skills development. It's essential to keep in mind that these hourly rates are estimates derived from annual salary data, providing a snapshot of the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon.
About the Lebanon 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) | $22.22 | $177.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.98 |
| Median (P50) | $31.05 | $248.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.36 | $266.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.98 | $295.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lebanon
Based on $31.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.05/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lebanon, TN can expect to earn approximately $64,581 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,258. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lebanon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lebanon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,241.94 | $5,382 | $64,581 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $745.17 | $3,229 | $38,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.78 | $2,153 | $25,832 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Lebanon) | $31.05 |
| 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 Lebanon, TN earn a median of $64,572 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.13% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% below the Tennessee state average of $65,823.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.05/hr = $38,749/year (purchasing power: $42,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,581/year (purchasing power: $70,350).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lebanon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.78/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon grew 17.5% from $25.69/hr (2019) to $30.20/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.92/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 Lebanon 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 Lebanon
Part-time occupational therapy assistants logging around 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $39,362 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts. For those exploring per diem opportunities, rates typically span $30 to $45 per hour, with traveling positions offering contract wages of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, reflecting the demand for therapists in different environments. The variation in hourly rates across employer types in Lebanon also plays a critical role in determining overall pay; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab might offer different compensation compared to school district contracts or home health agencies. While some occupational therapy assistants may opt for lower hourly wages for job security and benefits, negotiating for better pay is crucial. Understanding the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on reimbursement rates since 2022 is vital, as it influences salary considerations. COTAs should leverage their experience and the salary range specific to their practice settings when negotiating terms, ensuring they maximize their earnings while meeting regulatory requirements from AOTA and NBCOT.
More salary data for Lebanon, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Lebanon?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Lebanon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Lebanon?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Lebanon?
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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 Lebanon. 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 Lebanon 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