Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Conway, AR: $79,213 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Conway, AR earns a median $79,213/year (≈ $38.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Conway's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $91,154 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 22.6% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Conway, Arkansas, can expect a median annual salary of $79,213 in 2026, which reflects a robust 6.57% increase over the national median of $74,332. The salary range offers a wide spectrum, with entry-level positions earning approximately $57,179 at the 10th percentile and experienced professionals reaching up to $96,913 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the region's cost of living. As more COTAs pursue advanced degrees via the bridge to MOT programs, their lifetime earnings potential significantly increases, making this a timely moment for both aspiring and current occupational therapy assistants in Conway to evaluate their career trajectories.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,179 | $27.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $67,591 | $32.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $79,213 | $38.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,452 | $41.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,913 | $46.59 |
Median Salary Position
6.57% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Conway
In Conway, AR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,734 (2026 est.). At $79,213, the local median is 6.57% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Conway: You'd be above the median
How Conway Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Conway median: $79,213/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Conway Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $64,611 | +22.60% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +6.57% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Conway, AR earn a median of $79,213 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.57% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 22.60% above the Arkansas state average of $64,611.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Conway has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Conway, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $79,213 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,154 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$65,549
2025 BLS Actual
$77,048
2026 Current Est.
$79,213
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $65,549 | Actual |
| 2020 | $67,073 | Actual |
| 2021 | $65,784 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,469 | Actual |
| 2023 | $71,411 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,838 | Actual |
| 2025 | $77,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $79,213 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,439 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Conway metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $65,549 (2019) to $77,048 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,439 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,890 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Conway 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $57,179 – $67,591 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $67,591 – $79,213 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $79,213 – $86,452 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,452 – $96,913 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Conway
In Conway, the occupational therapy assistant job market comprises 14 professionals, indicating a focused but essential workforce supporting local healthcare needs. With a cost-of-living index of 86.9, the purchasing power for COTAs is notably favorable compared to the national average. Among local employers, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically offer the highest compensation, while school districts and outpatient clinics may present a more modest pay scale. Variations in salaries can be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations, work settings, and differing contractual terms. For instance, weekend shifts and PRN opportunities might command higher pay despite the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut affecting certain service areas. To maximize their earnings in this market, COTAs should consider diversifying their experience across various settings or pursuing certifications that align with high-demand practices in Conway, AR.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $77,048 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Conway metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Conway 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