Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $72,680 (2026)

Occupational Therapist Pay in Fort Smith: What to Expect (2026)

Fort Smith offers a median occupational therapist salary of $72,680, which is $3,728 below the Arkansas state average of $76,408. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Fort Smith pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Fort Smith's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 80% of the national average. This means the $72,680 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $90,850 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Fort Smith spans from $48,360 at the 10th percentile to $99,458 at the 90th percentile — a $51,098 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,920, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $93,600. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $49,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $93,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,920

$-14,080 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$72,540

$-20,460 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$93,600

$-26,400 vs national

Percentile	Fort Smith	AR State	National
10th Percentile	$48,360	$50,840	$62,000
25th Percentile	$60,216	$63,304	$77,200
Median (50th)	$72,680	$76,408	$93,180
75th Percentile	$85,644	$90,036	$109,800
90th Percentile	$99,458	$104,558	$127,510

Percentile

Fort Smith

10th Percentile

$48,360

25th Percentile

$60,216

Median (50th)

$72,680

75th Percentile

$85,644

90th Percentile

$99,458

How to Become a Occupational Therapist in Fort Smith

Education

Most occupational therapist positions require a master's degree. Fort Smith 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 Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

The median occupational therapist salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $72,680 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $48,360 (10th percentile) to $99,458 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $72,680, a occupational therapist in Fort Smith earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼

Fort Smith's median occupational therapist salary of $72,680 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $76,408. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR? ▼

Fort Smith has a cost of living index of 80% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $72,680 in Fort Smith has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Fort Smith? ▼

Most occupational therapist positions in Fort Smith 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.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas