Healthcare Fort Smith, AR Pop. 89,142

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Fort Smith, AR is $51,028 per year, which is 22% below the national median and 4.9% below the Arkansas state average.

City Median
$51,028
vs State Avg
$-2,616
vs National
$-14,392
Cost of Living
80%

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

Fort Smith offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $51,028, which is $2,616 below the Arkansas state average of $53,644. Compared to the national median of $65,420, 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 $51,028 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,785 in an average-cost city. This makes Fort Smith an attractive option for occupational therapy assistants seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Fort Smith spans from $32,760 at the 10th percentile to $71,760 at the 90th percentile — a $39,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,320, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $68,640. Fort Smith is a smaller market (pop. 89,142), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fort Smith by Experience

In Fort Smith, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $34,320, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,640 per year. The local cost of living index is 80% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,320
$-9,680 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,480
$-14,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,640
$-19,360 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Fort Smith, AR

Percentile Fort Smith
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $40,560
Median (50th) $51,028
75th Percentile $62,400
90th Percentile $71,760

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other Arkansas Cities

Fayetteville, AR
$56,261
Pop. 93,949
Little Rock, AR
$55,607
Pop. 202,591
Springdale, AR
$53,644
Pop. 80,433
Jonesboro, AR
$52,336
Pop. 78,576

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Fort Smith

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Fort Smith and the surrounding Arkansas area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Fort Smith may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Fort Smith

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Fort Smith, AR:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fort Smith

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Fort Smith, AR? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Fort Smith, Arkansas is $51,028 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $71,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Fort Smith? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,028, a occupational therapy assistant in Fort Smith earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Fort Smith compare to the Arkansas state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Fort Smith's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $51,028 is 4.9% below the Arkansas state average of $53,644. 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 therapy assistant salary of $51,028 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 therapy assistant in Fort Smith? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Fort Smith require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.