Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Fort Smith, AR: $39.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Fort Smith, AR runs $39.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $82,927 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Fort Smith's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $49,757 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Smith, Arkansas, is projected to be $39.87, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive rate creates substantial opportunities for both part-time and per-diem work settings. For those working three days a week, such as in skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, or outpatient clinics, this hourly wage allows for a steady income while still maintaining flexibility. The hourly range varies significantly from entry-level positions, starting at $32.61, to seasoned professionals earning up to $49.32 per hour. This data, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, underlines the demand for certified occupational therapy assistants in a city that serves a diverse population.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.61 | $260.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.05 | $296.42 |
| Median (P50) | $39.87 | $318.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.02 | $320.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.32 | $394.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Smith
Based on $39.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.87/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Smith, AR can expect to earn approximately $82,929 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $47,844. With a cost-of-living index of 85.89 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Smith.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Smith
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,594.79 | $6,911 | $82,929 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $956.87 | $4,146 | $49,757 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $637.92 | $2,764 | $33,172 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Fort Smith) | $39.87 |
| 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 Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $82,927 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.56% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 28.40% above the Arkansas state average of $64,585.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.87/hr = $49,757/year (purchasing power: $57,933).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $82,929/year (purchasing power: $96,555).
CoL index: 85.888 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.29/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+23.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.29/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Smith grew 16.5% from $33.29/hr (2019) to $38.78/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.99/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 Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith
In considering the financial prospects of a part-time occupational therapy assistant, those working 24 hours a week may realistically take home an annual income considerably lower than full-time colleagues. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Fort Smith typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering incentives of $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, reflecting the profession's diverse employment landscape. Different employer types—like skilled nursing facilities or school district contracts—may offer varying pay scales due to budget constraints or the demands for benefits like health insurance. As some COTAs choose jobs with lower hourly rates for the associated benefits, others may prefer higher rates without the safety net of health insurance. For negotiating pay effectively, Forth Smith therapists can leverage local labor market insights, highlighting specialized skills or willingness to cover challenging shifts while considering factors such as the impact of the 15% Medicare cut on overall compensation in various settings.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Smith in 2026?
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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 Fort Smith. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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