Occupational Therapist Salary in Arkansas
Based on 2K+ workers in Arkansas
Median Annual Salary (AR)
$106,360
$51.13/hr
vs National Average
$98,754
+7.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$65K – $144K
2K employed in Arkansas
Occupational Therapist salary in Arkansas averages $106,360 annually, positioning the state 8% above the national average. Currently, approximately 2,160 occupational therapists work throughout Arkansas, contributing to healthcare and rehabilitation services. Salaries in this field range from $65,160 to $144,250, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence occupational therapist compensation in Arkansas, including years of experience, employer type, and work setting. Therapists employed in hospitals or specialized clinics typically earn differently than those in private practice or educational institutions. Geographic location within the state, additional certifications, and patient caseload complexity also play important roles in determining individual salary outcomes.
Salary Distribution — Occupational Therapist in Arkansas
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $65,160 |
| 25th percentile | $81,810 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $106,360 |
| 75th percentile | $128,220 |
| 90th percentile | $144,250 |
Top-Paying Industries for Occupational Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Occupational Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Occupational Therapists in Arkansas tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $105,560 | 3K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $101,950 | 200 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $101,410 | 570 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $101,080 | 133K |
| Administrative and Support Services | $100,120 | 3K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Occupational Therapist in Arkansas vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arkansas) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,980 |
| 2023 | $95,230 |
| 2024 | $99,350 |
| 2025 | $106,360 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,742 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arkansas Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $79,980 | $88,771 |
| 2023 | $95,230 | $93,040 |
| 2024 | $99,350 | $95,329 |
| 2025 | $106,360 | $98,754 |
| 2026 (projected) | $112,742 | $104,679 |
Occupational Therapist Salary by Experience Level in Arkansas
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,810 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $106,360 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $128,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $144,250 |
Occupational Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Occupational Therapist Salaries in Arkansas
How other high-demand occupations in Arkansas compare to Occupational Therapist ($106,360 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Occupational Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgeon in AR | $254,940 | +139.7% | $122.57/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in AR | $233,130 | +119.2% | $112.08/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in AR | $224,280 | +110.9% | $107.83/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AR | $215,820 | +102.9% | $103.76/hr |
| Dentist in AR | $178,930 | +68.2% | $86.02/hr |
| Pediatrician in AR | $160,440 | +50.8% | $77.13/hr |
| Pharmacist in AR | $136,060 | +27.9% | $65.41/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AR | $125,660 | +18.1% | $60.41/hr |
| Psychiatrist in AR | $124,750 | +17.3% | $59.98/hr |
| Optometrist in AR | $124,470 | +17.0% | $59.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AR | $118,430 | +11.3% | $56.94/hr |
| Veterinarian in AR | $107,710 | +1.3% | $51.78/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Arkansas?
- The median salary for occupational therapists in Arkansas is $106,360 per year, or $51 per hour. This is 7.7% higher than the national average, making Arkansas a competitive state for OT positions.
What is the salary range for occupational therapists in Arkansas?
- Occupational therapist salaries in Arkansas range from $65,160 at the lower end to $144,250 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
How many occupational therapists work in Arkansas?
- There are currently 2,160 occupational therapists employed in Arkansas. This represents a solid job market for OTs seeking positions in the state.
Does Arkansas pay more than the national average for occupational therapists?
- Yes, Arkansas pays 7.7% above the national average for occupational therapists, with a median salary of $106,360 per year compared to the national median. This makes Arkansas an attractive state for OT professionals seeking competitive compensation.