Bryant vs Fayetteville: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Bryant, AR and Fayetteville, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bryant, AR | Fayetteville, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,942 | $111,130▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.02 | $53.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,347▲ | $63,990 |
| 25th Percentile | $83,477 | $96,825▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,846 | $148,664▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,197 | $148,664▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 450▲ |
Verdict
Fayetteville, AR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bryant.
The salary gap between Bryant and Fayetteville is $9,188 (9.01%). Fayetteville's median is +7.48% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bryant spans $48,850,Fayetteville spans $84,674. Fayetteville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Fayetteville ($121,649 effective) pays 3.70% more than Bryant ($117,310 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bryant if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Fayetteville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($111,130/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($148,664)
- ✓Larger job market (450 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,649)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Bryant grew 43.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Fayetteville over the same period.
Bryant, AR
$68,976 (2024) → $98,915 (2025)
Fayetteville, AR
$90,520 (2019) → $107,830 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bryant, AR
Fayetteville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Bryant or Fayetteville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bryant and Fayetteville?
Should I relocate from Bryant to Fayetteville as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Bryant vs Fayetteville?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov