Fayetteville vs Little Rock: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Fayetteville, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fayetteville, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,184▲ | $80,932 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.99▲ | $38.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,779▲ | $45,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $75,103▲ | $63,814 |
| 75th Percentile | $99,777▲ | $96,333 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,499▲ | $103,530 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Little Rock.
The salary gap between Fayetteville and Little Rock is $2,252 (2.78%). Fayetteville's median is +11.91% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fayetteville spans $56,720,Little Rock spans $57,708. Little Rock has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($91,058 effective) pays 0.54% more than Little Rock ($90,564 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,184/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,499)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,058)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Fayetteville grew 15.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fayetteville, AR
$70,110 (2020) → $80,910 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$59,570 (2019) → $78,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fayetteville, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Fayetteville or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fayetteville and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fayetteville to Little Rock as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Fayetteville vs Little Rock?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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