Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Paragould, AR: $63,101 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Paragould, AR earns a median $63,101/year (≈ $30.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $72,613 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Paragould, Arkansas, is projected to be $63,101, a figure that reflects local employment dynamics amid ongoing changes in healthcare reimbursement policies. This salary represents a range from $44,701 at the lower end to $78,508 at the higher end, showing a notable variation based on experience and setting. The regional context is critical here, especially considering the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut that took effect in 2022, which has particularly affected pay structures in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) compared to other environments like hospitals and schools. Professionals navigating the job market in Paragould will find it essential to understand these dynamics as they seek opportunities in a competitive landscape.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,701 | $21.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,444 | $26.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,101 | $30.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,842 | $33.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,508 | $37.74 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $33,807 (2026 est.). At $63,101, the local median is 15.11% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be above the median
How Paragould Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Paragould median: $63,101/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $64,586 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -15.11% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Paragould, AR earn a median of $63,101 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $64,586.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould 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.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $63,101 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,613 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,216
2025 BLS Actual
$61,376
2026 Current Est.
$63,101
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,216 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,430 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,403 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,542 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,885 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,236 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,376 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,101 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,874 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $52,216 (2019) to $61,376 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,874 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,658 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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) | $44,701 – $55,444 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,444 – $63,101 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,101 – $69,842 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,842 – $78,508 |
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 Paragould
With only seven occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Paragould, the market remains relatively small, yet offers specific compensation opportunities influenced by the cost of living index of 86.9, which indicates a lower-than-average living expense in the area. This creates a favorable situation for COTAs, as take-home purchasing power can be significant. Among local employers, positions in hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings tend to pay more than those in SNFs or school districts, particularly given existing productivity expectations and contractual arrangements. To maximize pay in this market, professionals might consider specializing in areas of high demand or pursuing roles that offer weekend or PRN opportunities, which often come with premium compensation. Understanding the nuances of local pay structures can position COTAs better amidst the shifts imposed by recent policy changes.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Paragould, AR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Paragould?
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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 $61,376 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Paragould 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 Paragould 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