Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Van Buren, AR: $28.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Van Buren, AR runs $28.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,959 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Van Buren's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Van Buren, Arkansas, an occupational therapy assistant earns a median hourly pay of $28.83, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This difference may influence part-time workers, particularly those operating three days a week, as they can expect to take home approximately $23,000 annually if they work 24 hours per week. In settings such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, assistants in entry-level positions earn around $22.57 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $34.68, highlighting the hourly range from entry-level to top earners in this market. It's crucial to recognize that these hourly rates are derived from projected annual salary data for 2026, reflecting the unique economic context of Van Buren.
About the Van Buren 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) | $22.57 | $180.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.68 | $205.46 |
| Median (P50) | $28.83 | $230.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.37 | $250.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.68 | $277.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Van Buren
Based on $28.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.83/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Van Buren, AR can expect to earn approximately $59,962 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,594. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Van Buren.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Van Buren
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.12 | $4,997 | $59,962 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $691.87 | $2,998 | $35,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.25 | $1,999 | $23,985 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Van Buren) | $28.83 |
| 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 Van Buren, AR earn a median of $59,959 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.34% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.20% below the Arkansas state average of $64,611.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.83/hr = $35,977/year (purchasing power: $41,401).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,962/year (purchasing power: $69,001).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Van Buren (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.99/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.64/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Van Buren grew 17.5% from $23.86/hr (2019) to $28.04/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.64/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 Van Buren 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 Van Buren
Part-time occupational therapy assistants often find themselves at a crossroads of earning potential. For those working three days a week, the annual take-home can significantly differ from the $59,959 full-time median annual salary. Many choose per diem roles, where they can bill anywhere from $30 to $45 per hour. However, this flexibility often comes with trade-offs, such as less job security and the absence of benefits. Those engaged in travel contracts may earn considerably more, with weekly pay ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. Furthermore, hourly rates vary depending on the employer; skilled nursing facilities and schools may offer lower rates compared to hospitals or home health agencies. Given the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut impacting pay rates, some occupational therapy assistants appreciate lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and other benefits. When negotiating salaries, it's advisable to understand these market dynamics and advocate for fair compensation based on the unique demands of the job in Van Buren.
More salary data for Van Buren, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Van Buren in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Van Buren?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Van Buren paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Van Buren?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Van Buren?
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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 Van Buren. 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 Van Buren 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