Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Texarkana, AR: $39.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Texarkana, AR runs $39.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $81,275 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Texarkana's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,769 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana, AR, earn a median hourly rate of $39.08, surpassing the national median of $35.74. This competitive wage allows COTAs to thrive in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings for schedule flexibility, such as working three days per week in a typical 24-hour work schedule. With an hourly range extending from $29.91 (entry-level) to $47.45 (experienced top earners), occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Texarkana presents pathways for both new and seasoned professionals based on their skills and designated settings. It’s key to note that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data and reflect the regional demand for therapy services.
About the Texarkana 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) | $29.91 | $239.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.47 | $275.78 |
| Median (P50) | $39.08 | $312.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.53 | $340.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.45 | $379.57 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Texarkana
Based on $39.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $39.08/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Texarkana, AR can expect to earn approximately $81,282 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,894. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Texarkana.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Texarkana
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,563.12 | $6,774 | $81,282 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $937.87 | $4,064 | $48,769 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $625.25 | $2,709 | $32,513 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Texarkana) | $39.08 |
| 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 Texarkana, AR earn a median of $81,275 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.34% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 25.80% above the Arkansas state average of $64,607.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $39.08/hr = $48,769/year (purchasing power: $56,121).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $81,282/year (purchasing power: $93,536).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$32.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$39.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $33.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $40.18/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana grew 17.5% from $32.34/hr (2019) to $38.01/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $40.18/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 Texarkana 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 Texarkana
For occupational therapy assistants who choose to work part-time, the potential to earn significantly varies compared to full-time roles. A 3-day workweek could yield around $61,086 annually, providing a comfortable income while maintaining flexible hours. Those working per diem or agency contracts often face unique earnings; typical rates range from $30 to $45 per hour. With travel contracts sometimes offering between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly, opportunities abound, though pay can be affected by the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cuts. Furthermore, the hourly rates fluctuate across employer types in Texarkana. For instance, skilled nursing facilities may offer different pay scales compared to school districts or home health agencies. Some occupational therapy assistants may accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer the higher hourly wages without those perks. Therefore, negotiating effectively—based on the specific job market dynamics in Texarkana—can make a significant difference in overall earnings for COTAs.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Texarkana?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Texarkana?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Texarkana?
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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 Texarkana. 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 Texarkana 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