Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Franklin, TN: $49.26 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Franklin, TN runs $49.26 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $102,460 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,480 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, Tennessee, the occupational therapist hourly pay is projected at $49.26 for 2026, slightly below the national median hourly rate of $49.71. This competitive rate allows for substantial earnings even for part-time practitioners, especially those working three days a week, as they can secure a stable income while enjoying a flexible schedule. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $36.40, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $64.78. Such a range reflects various workplace settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health care environments. Given that these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a comprehensive view for prospective occupational therapists considering their options in Franklin, TN.
About the Franklin Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.40 | $291.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.04 | $328.31 |
| Median (P50) | $49.26 | $394.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.65 | $461.21 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.78 | $518.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $49.26/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.26/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, TN can expect to earn approximately $102,466 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $59,115. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,970.51 | $8,539 | $102,466 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,182.30 | $5,123 | $61,480 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $788.20 | $3,416 | $40,987 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Franklin) | $49.26 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Franklin, TN earn a median of $102,460 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.91% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.60% above the Tennessee state average of $98,900.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.26/hr = $61,480/year (purchasing power: $66,971).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $102,466/year (purchasing power: $111,619).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.26/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.77/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.26/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Franklin grew 18.1% from $40.47/hr (2019) to $47.80/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.77/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Franklin 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 3.06% 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 Therapist in Franklin
Considering the specifics of part-time work, an occupational therapist putting in 24 hours a week can anticipate an annual take-home of approximately $61,157, compared to those working full-time. Per diem roles can be even more lucrative, as many OTs in Franklin bill between $50-$75 per hour, and those holding a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential can command $80-$110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present another lucrative option, offering weekly rates between $1,800-$2,800. Pay rates can fluctuate based on the type of employer; skilled nursing facilities, outpatient hand therapy clinics, school districts, and home health agencies tend to offer different compensation packages. Occupational therapists may accept lower hourly rates with benefits such as health insurance or higher pay without, creating a negotiation balancing act that requires insightful evaluation of personal circumstances and preferences. When negotiating, prioritizing key factors, including work-life balance, benefits packages, and potential for overtime, can lead to more favorable work contracts in the Franklin area.
More salary data for Franklin, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Franklin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Franklin?
Are occupational therapists in Franklin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Franklin?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Franklin?
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Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
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 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Franklin. 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 Franklin 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 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov