Healthcare Fayetteville, AR Pop. 93,949

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas

The median occupational therapist salary in Fayetteville, AR is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.9% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$80,135
vs State Avg
+$3,727
vs National
$-13,045
Cost of Living
88%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Fayetteville: What to Expect (2026)

Fayetteville offers a median occupational therapist salary of $80,135, which is $3,727 above the Arkansas state average of $76,408. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Fayetteville pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fayetteville's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $80,135 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $91,063 in an average-cost city. This makes Fayetteville an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Fayetteville spans from $53,320 at the 10th percentile to $109,659 at the 90th percentile — a $56,339 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $55,040, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,200. Fayetteville is a smaller market (pop. 93,949), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fayetteville by Experience

In Fayetteville, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $55,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,040
$-8,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,980
$-13,020 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fayetteville, AR

Percentile Fayetteville
10th Percentile $53,320
25th Percentile $66,392
Median (50th) $80,135
75th Percentile $94,428
90th Percentile $109,659

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Little Rock, AR
$79,203
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$76,408
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$74,544
Pop. 78,576
Fort Smith, AR
$72,680
Pop. 89,142

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Fayetteville

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Fayetteville and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ActivitiesPatient AssessmentAdaptive EquipmentDocumentationRehabilitationCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapist employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fayetteville may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Fayetteville

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Fayetteville, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Fayetteville

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Fayetteville, Arkansas is $80,135 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $53,320 (10th percentile) to $109,659 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Fayetteville? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $80,135, a occupational therapist in Fayetteville earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fayetteville compare to the Arkansas state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Fayetteville's median occupational therapist salary of $80,135 is 4.9% above the Arkansas state average of $76,408. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Fayetteville, AR? ▼
Fayetteville has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $80,135 in Fayetteville has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Fayetteville? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Fayetteville require a master's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Activities, Patient Assessment, Adaptive Equipment, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.