Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bryant, AR: $49.02 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bryant, AR runs $49.02 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,942 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bryant's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,171 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bryant, Arkansas, the occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $49.02, slightly below the national median of $49.71. This median rate provides a competitive wage for OTs working in various settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For those opting for part-time work, such as a three-day workweek, that hourly rate translates to a rewarding and flexible lifestyle, potentially earning around $20,000 annually if working approximately 24 hours a week. The hourly rate ranges from $35.74 for entry-level positions to $59.23 for experienced practitioners, illustrating a broad scope of earnings reflective of experience and specialization within the field. These estimates are derived from projected annual salary data, but they offer useful insights for occupational therapists considering their pay structure in Bryant, AR.
About the Bryant 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) | $35.74 | $285.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.13 | $321.05 |
| Median (P50) | $49.02 | $392.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.74 | $437.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.23 | $473.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bryant
Based on $49.02/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.02/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bryant, AR can expect to earn approximately $101,952 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,818. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bryant.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bryant
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.61 | $8,496 | $101,952 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.37 | $5,098 | $61,171 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.25 | $3,398 | $40,781 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bryant) | $49.02 |
| 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 Bryant, AR earn a median of $101,942 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.41% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.50% below the Arkansas state average of $107,875.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.02/hr = $61,171/year (purchasing power: $70,393).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,952/year (purchasing power: $117,321).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.02/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.02/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bryant grew 18.1% from $40.27/hr (2019) to $47.56/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.52/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 Bryant 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 Bryant
Looking at the part-time earning potential in more detail, an occupational therapist working just three days a week (24 hours) could earn approximately $49,020 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Those choosing to work per diem can take advantage of higher pay rates, often billing between $50 and $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists potentially drawing between $80 and $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts also present lucrative opportunities, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Within Bryant, hourly rates can vary significantly, influenced by employer type; skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions each offer differing compensation based on funding and demand. Many therapists may accept lower hourly rates for the security of benefits like healthcare, while others opt for higher hourly wages without benefits. For those negotiating pay, being aware of local rates and demonstrating value through specialized skills—such as a CHT credential—can prove advantageous in discussions with potential employers in the area.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bryant in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bryant?
Are occupational therapists in Bryant paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bryant?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bryant?
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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 Bryant. 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 Bryant 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