Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $50.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Benton, AR runs $50.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,689 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,409 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, occupational therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $50.81, which is slightly above the national hourly median of $49.71. This wage reflects the compensation offered to OTs working in various settings, including hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. For part-time therapists working three days a week, this equates to approximately $2,000 weekly, providing a viable income while allowing flexibility. Entry-level OTs may earn around $36.14 per hour, while experienced top earners could see rates as high as $63.99 per hour. These estimates are based on annual salary projections and demonstrate that Benton offers competitive pay within the occupational therapy sector.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.14 | $289.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.25 | $330.04 |
| Median (P50) | $50.81 | $406.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.91 | $463.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.99 | $511.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $50.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.81/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $105,682 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,970. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,032.34 | $8,807 | $105,682 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,219.41 | $5,284 | $63,409 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $812.94 | $3,523 | $42,273 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Benton) | $50.81 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Benton, AR earn a median of $105,689 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.21% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $107,846.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.81/hr = $63,409/year (purchasing power: $72,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,682/year (purchasing power: $121,613).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Benton grew 18.1% from $41.74/hr (2019) to $49.30/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.36/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Benton
For those considering part-time work, an occupational therapist earning at the median hourly rate can bring in around $104,000 annually if they work full-time. However, when working part-time at twenty-four hours per week, their annual take-home could range significantly based on individual schedules and local demand. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Benton typically ranges from $50 to $75 per hour, with specialized hand therapists holding a CHT credential earning between $80 and $110 hourly in cash-pay practices. It's worth noting that hourly rates can vary considerably across different employer types, influenced by the need for benefits versus higher pay rates without them. For example, contracting with schools or home health agencies might offer less hourly compensation but provide essential health insurance and retirement options. Occupational therapists looking to negotiate their pay should leverage their credentials, such as AOTA membership or NBCOT certification, to enhance their bargaining position, especially in settings where demand for services is high.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Benton in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov