Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $38.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Conway, AR runs $38.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,213 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,525 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Conway, Arkansas, earn a median hourly rate of $38.08, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this pay translates to a respectable income, especially when considering typical roles in skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Per-diem work offers flexibility and competitive compensation that generally ranges from $27.49 at the entry level to $46.59 for seasoned professionals. With these hourly rates estimated on annual salary calculations, occupational therapy assistants can expect varied earnings based on their experience and the specific settings in which they practice.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.49 | $219.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.50 | $259.99 |
| Median (P50) | $38.08 | $304.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.57 | $332.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.59 | $372.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $38.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.08/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $79,208 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,697. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,523.23 | $6,601 | $79,208 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $913.94 | $3,960 | $47,525 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $609.29 | $2,640 | $31,683 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Conway) | $38.08 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Conway, AR earn a median of $79,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.57% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 22.60% above the Arkansas state average of $64,611.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.08/hr = $47,525/year (purchasing power: $54,689).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,208/year (purchasing power: $91,149).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$31.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $31.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.15/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Conway grew 17.5% from $31.51/hr (2019) to $37.04/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.15/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Conway
Exploring the financial implications of working part-time reveals that a three-day-a-week schedule could yield an annual income that competes well with full-time salaries, depending on the number of hours worked. For those considering per diem opportunities, rates typically fall between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can net around $1,100 to $1,700 weekly. However, trends in the industry, such as the 15% Medicare cut affecting reimbursement for OTA-provided services since 2022, might influence wages in skilled nursing and outpatient settings. Additionally, variations in hourly pay can arise based on the type of employer, whether in school districts, home health agencies, or rehabilitation facilities. Occupational therapy assistants must weigh the trade-offs of hourly wage against benefits when negotiating offers—some may accept slightly lower pay for health insurance, while others might prefer higher rates without benefits. Understanding these dynamics can help COTAs make informed career decisions in Conway, AR.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Conway. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Conway is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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