Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $38.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Little Rock, AR runs $38.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,564 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a median of $38.91, which is notably higher than the national median of $35.74. This competitive hourly rate can significantly benefit part-time professionals, who often work in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those working three days a week, this rate translates into substantial earnings compared to typical part-time jobs. Entry-level occupational therapy assistants can expect to earn about $22.03 per hour, while top earners might reach up to $49.78 per hour. These figures are based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, projected for 2026, indicating a promising future for individuals entering this field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.03 | $176.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.68 | $245.43 |
| Median (P50) | $38.91 | $311.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.32 | $370.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.78 | $398.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $38.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.91/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $80,940 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,696. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,556.54 | $6,745 | $80,940 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.93 | $4,047 | $48,564 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.62 | $2,698 | $32,376 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Little Rock) | $38.91 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $80,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.88% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 25.30% above the Arkansas state average of $64,591.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.91/hr = $48,564/year (purchasing power: $54,344).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,940/year (purchasing power: $90,574).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.64/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+39.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $38.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.01/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Little Rock grew 32.2% from $28.64/hr (2019) to $37.85/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.01/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
Considering the earning potential, a part-time occupational therapy assistant, working 24 hours a week, can expect to take home approximately $48,000 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Little Rock typically ranges from $30 to $45 per hour, with travel contracts offering rates between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. Although some COTAs may seek work in skilled nursing facilities or outpatient programs where compensation has been affected by the 15% reimbursement cut since 2022, others may choose agency roles offering higher flexibility despite lower hourly rates. The variety of pay across employer types highlights the need for effective negotiation strategies, as some may prioritize benefits over higher pay when determining their career path, especially when considering job security and health insurance options.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Little Rock?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Little Rock?
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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 Little Rock. 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, 7-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