Occupational Therapist Jobs in Nashville, TN

Nashville, Tennessee$87,550 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Occupational Therapist Jobs in Nashville

Looking for a Occupational Therapist job in Nashville? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Occupational Therapist in Nashville, TN.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Nashville has a strong job market for Occupational Therapists. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Nashville

Entry Level
$61,285
Median
$87,550
Senior Level
$118,450

Occupational Therapist salaries in Nashville are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Nashville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Patient AssessmentTreatment PlanningAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationCommunication

Occupational Therapist Job Market in Nashville

Nashville, TN is a major regional employment hub for Occupational Therapist professionals. As a mid-sized metro with 689K residents, Nashville balances career opportunities with quality of life. The city's strong Healthcare and Music sectors create robust demand for Occupational Therapist talent. The market for Occupational Therapist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Occupational Therapists in Nashville

HCA HealthcareVanderbilt HealthCommunity Health SystemsLifePoint Health

Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists in Nashville include HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Health, Community Health Systems, LifePoint Health. With major hospital systems and research institutions, Nashville offers excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals at all career stages. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Occupational Therapists in Nashville

Living in Nashville as a Occupational Therapist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. At median Occupational Therapist salary, housing is quite affordable at 23% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

103
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 2
Market Size

Commuting as a Occupational Therapist in Nashville

Nashville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Occupational Therapists in Nashville: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Occupational Therapist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Tennessee

Tennessee has no state income tax. Compared to a state with 5% income tax, a Occupational Therapist earning $87,550 would save approximately $4,378 annually. This makes Nashville attractive for high earners, though property taxes and sales tax help fund state services.

Career Outlook for Occupational Therapists

The job outlook for Occupational Therapists in Nashville is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. Nashville's growing economy creates new positions regularly, often with less competition than coastal tech hubs. In-demand skills include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation.

Relocating to Nashville

Tennessee has no state income tax, which can add thousands to your annual take-home pay compared to high-tax states like California or New York.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Occupational Therapist salary in Nashville, TN?

The average Occupational Therapist salary in Nashville, TN is $87,550 per year. Entry-level Occupational Therapists typically start around $61,285, while experienced professionals can earn $118,450 or more. The national average for Occupational Therapist roles is $85,000.

How many Occupational Therapist jobs are available in Nashville?

Nashville has a strong job market with regular openings for Occupational Therapist professionals. Major employers hiring Occupational Therapists include HCA Healthcare, Vanderbilt Health, Community Health Systems, LifePoint Health. The Healthcare and Music sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Nashville a good city for Occupational Therapists?

Nashville is an excellent choice for Occupational Therapists. As a major metro area, it offers abundant opportunities and competitive salaries. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's healthcare industry creates strong demand for healthcare professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Occupational Therapists in Nashville?

Top skills for Occupational Therapists in Nashville include Patient Assessment, Treatment Planning, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation, Communication. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Occupational Therapists in Nashville?

Nashville's cost of living is near the national average (103% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Nashville is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Occupational Therapists in Nashville?

Nashville Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Healthcare Jobs in Nashville

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Occupational Therapist jobs in Nashville.

Get Started Free