Hot Springs vs Little Rock: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Hot Springs, AR and Little Rock, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hot Springs, AR | Little Rock, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,932 | $107,883▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.83 | $51.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,034 | $67,154▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $77,202 | $83,870▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $119,673 | $132,144▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $134,452 | $141,831▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 760▲ |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hot Springs.
The salary gap between Hot Springs and Little Rock is $22,951 (27.02%). Little Rock's median is +4.34% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hot Springs spans $79,418,Little Rock spans $74,677. Hot Springs has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Little Rock ($120,723 effective) pays 21.86% more than Hot Springs ($99,069 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hot Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($107,883/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,831)
- ✓Larger job market (760 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $120,723)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Hot Springs grew 10.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 41.1% growth in Little Rock over the same period.
Hot Springs, AR
$74,650 (2019) → $82,410 (2025)
Little Rock, AR
$74,180 (2019) → $104,680 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hot Springs, AR
Little Rock, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Hot Springs or Little Rock?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hot Springs and Little Rock?
Should I relocate from Hot Springs to Little Rock as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Hot Springs vs Little Rock?
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