Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jacksonville, AR: $30.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jacksonville, AR runs $30.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,128 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jacksonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,479 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jacksonville, Arkansas, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) in 2026 is $30.83. This figure is notably below the national median hourly rate of $35.74, highlighting a localized pay disparity for the profession. For part-time workers, particularly those employed three days a week, this hourly rate translates to about $2,954 monthly, which can provide a stable income, especially in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, or home health visits. The hourly range in Jacksonville varies, with entry-level positions starting at around $22.67 and experienced COTAs earning up to $37.44. This variance can impact those seeking flexible or per-diem roles, as they often have to weigh the benefits of steady employment against potentially higher earnings available in acute care or specialized practices.
About the Jacksonville 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) | $22.67 | $181.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.51 | $212.12 |
| Median (P50) | $30.83 | $246.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.57 | $268.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.44 | $299.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jacksonville
Based on $30.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.83/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jacksonville, AR can expect to earn approximately $64,132 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,999. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jacksonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jacksonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,233.31 | $5,344 | $64,132 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $739.99 | $3,207 | $38,479 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $493.32 | $2,138 | $25,653 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jacksonville) | $30.83 |
| 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 Jacksonville, AR earn a median of $64,128 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.73% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 0.70% below the Arkansas state average of $64,580.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.83/hr = $38,479/year (purchasing power: $44,280).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,132/year (purchasing power: $73,800).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.51/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jacksonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.51/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville grew 17.5% from $25.51/hr (2019) to $29.99/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.70/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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville
Part-time occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville can expect a decent income, earning an estimated $35,448 annually when working a three-day week. In contrast, full-time positions would yield significantly more, reflecting the hourly pay's impact on overall earnings. For per-diem roles, local professionals might charge between $30 to $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer weekly earnings between $1,100 and $1,700, which have become more popular due to the flexible scheduling they provide. However, it's essential to consider the differences in pay depending on the employer type. For instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer lower pay due to budget constraints stemming from the 15% Medicare cut that took effect in 2022. These cuts have prompted some COTAs to negotiate for better pay or consider positions that distribute work hours across various settings. When negotiating, it’s advisable to understand local hiring trends and available benefits—since opting for a lower hourly rate might come with advantages like health insurance, which is particularly appealing for COTAs looking for job security and stability in their work environments.
More salary data for Jacksonville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jacksonville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Jacksonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Jacksonville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Jacksonville?
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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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville 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