Occupational Therapist Salary in Memphis, TN: $103,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Memphis, TN earns a median $103,019/year (≈ $49.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Memphis's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.2), that paycheck buys what $111,760 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% above the Tennessee state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, occupational therapists in Memphis, Tennessee, can expect a median annual salary of $103,019, slightly below the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession in Memphis spans from $77,656 at the 10th percentile to $127,238 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the varying levels of experience and specialization among practitioners. This data, derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, indicates that occupational therapists who obtain specialized certifications, such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), may command higher wages. As the demand for skilled therapists increases in Memphis, professionals holding this certification can take advantage of the premium it offers, enhancing their earning potential in a competitive job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,656 | $37.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,354 | $41.51 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,019 | $49.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,108 | $54.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $127,238 | $61.18 |
Median Salary Position
0.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Memphis
In Memphis, TN, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,582 (2026 est.). At $103,019, the local median is 0.37% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Memphis Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Memphis median: $103,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Memphis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee Average | $98,866 | +4.20% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | -0.37% less |
Occupational Therapists in Memphis, TN earn a median of $103,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.37% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 4.20% above the Tennessee state average of $98,866.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Memphis has a cost of living 7.82% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Memphis, TN has a cost-of-living index of 92.179 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,019 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $111,760 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.48% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,090
2025 BLS Actual
$99,960
2026 Current Est.
$103,019
2019–2027 Growth
+27.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,090 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $95,590 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,171 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Memphis metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 20.3% from $83,090 (2019) to $99,960 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,171 by 2027 — a total increase of $23,081 (27.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Memphis 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $77,656 – $86,354 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,354 – $103,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,019 – $114,108 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,108 – $127,238 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Memphis
The local job market for occupational therapists appears robust, with about 420 professionals currently employed in the Memphis area. Furthermore, the cost of living index in Memphis stands at 92.179, indicating a more affordable living situation compared to the national average, which can positively impact take-home salary. Employers in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab settings typically pay some of the highest salaries in the region, often providing additional stipends for board-certified therapists. The disparity between low and high wages is largely influenced by the setting, with hospitals offering more lucrative packages compared to schools and clinics. To maximize pay in Memphis, occupational therapists should consider specializing in high-demand areas, staying aware of local employment trends, and actively seeking advancement opportunities that leverage certifications and productivity incentives.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Memphis, TN in 2026?
Is Memphis, TN a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Memphis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Memphis?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Memphis?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $99,960 for occupational therapistsin the Memphis metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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