Fort Smith vs Jonesboro: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Jonesboro, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Jonesboro, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,927▲ | $80,870 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.87▲ | $38.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,824▲ | $54,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,066▲ | $68,430 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,245 | $83,800▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,584▲ | $95,778 |
| Total Employed | 40 | 90▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jonesboro.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Jonesboro is $2,057 (2.54%). Fort Smith's median is +11.56% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $34,760,Jonesboro spans $41,525. Jonesboro 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, Fort Smith ($96,552 effective) pays 2.53% more than Jonesboro ($94,171 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,927/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,584)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,552)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Jonesboro if…
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Fort Smith grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.4% growth in Jonesboro over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$69,240 (2019) → $80,660 (2025)
Jonesboro, AR
$63,750 (2019) → $78,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Jonesboro, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Fort Smith or Jonesboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Jonesboro?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Jonesboro as a occupational therapy assistant?
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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
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