Healthcare Little Rock, AR Pop. 202,591

Occupational Therapist Salary in Little Rock, Arkansas

The median occupational therapist salary in Little Rock, AR is $79,203 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 3.7% above the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$79,203
vs State Avg
+$2,795
vs National
$-13,977
Cost of Living
87%

Occupational Therapist Pay in Little Rock: What to Expect (2026)

Little Rock offers a median occupational therapist salary of $79,203, which is $2,795 above the Arkansas state average of $76,408. Compared to the national median of $93,180, Little Rock pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Little Rock's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 87% of the national average. This means the $79,203 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $91,038 in an average-cost city. This makes Little Rock an attractive option for occupational therapists seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapists in Little Rock spans from $52,700 at the 10th percentile to $108,384 at the 90th percentile — a $55,684 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,400, while senior occupational therapists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $102,000. With a population of 202,591, Little Rock is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapist Salary in Little Rock by Experience

In Little Rock, an entry-level occupational therapist earns around $54,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,400
$-9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,050
$-13,950 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Little Rock, AR

Percentile Little Rock
10th Percentile $52,700
25th Percentile $65,620
Median (50th) $79,203
75th Percentile $93,330
90th Percentile $108,384

Occupational Therapist Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$80,135
Pop. 93,949
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 Little Rock

Education

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

Find Occupational Therapist Jobs in Little Rock

Browse open occupational therapist positions in Little Rock, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapist Salary in Little Rock

How much does a Occupational Therapist make in Little Rock, AR? ▼
The median occupational therapist salary in Little Rock, Arkansas is $79,203 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $93,180. Salaries range from $52,700 (10th percentile) to $108,384 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapist make per hour in Little Rock? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,203, a occupational therapist in Little Rock earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Little Rock compare to the Arkansas state average for occupational therapist pay? ▼
Little Rock's median occupational therapist salary of $79,203 is 3.7% above the Arkansas state average of $76,408. The local cost of living index is 87% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Little Rock, AR? ▼
Little Rock has a cost of living index of 87% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapist salary of $79,203 in Little Rock has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapist in Little Rock? ▼
Most occupational therapist positions in Little Rock 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.