Little Rock vs Van Buren: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Little Rock, AR and Van Buren, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Van Buren, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,932▲ | $59,959 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.91▲ | $28.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,822 | $46,933▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $63,814▲ | $53,417 |
| 75th Percentile | $96,333▲ | $65,236 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,530▲ | $72,139 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Van Buren.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Van Buren is $20,973 (34.98%). Little Rock's median is +8.88% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $57,708,Van Buren spans $25,206. Little Rock has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($90,564 effective) pays 31.26% more than Van Buren ($68,998 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,932/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,530)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,564)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Van Buren if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Little Rock grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.7% growth in Van Buren over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$59,570 (2019) → $78,720 (2025)
Van Buren, AR
$46,785 (2024) → $58,320 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Van Buren, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Little Rock or Van Buren?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Van Buren?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Van Buren as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Little Rock vs Van Buren?
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