Fort Smith vs Little Rock: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,927▲ | $80,932 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.87▲ | $38.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,824▲ | $45,822 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,066▲ | $63,814 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,245 | $96,333▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,584 | $103,530▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Fort Smith and Little Rock are closely matched on overall occupational therapy assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Little Rock is $1,995 (2.47%). 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,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, Fort Smith ($96,552 effective) pays 6.61% 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 Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($82,927/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $96,552)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,530)
- ✓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 Fort Smith grew 16.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$69,240 (2019) → $80,660 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$59,570 (2019) → $78,720 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Fort Smith or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Little Rock as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Fort Smith 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