Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Hot Springs, AR: $40.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Hot Springs, AR runs $40.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Hot Springs's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $47.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,959 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Hot Springs, Arkansas, occupational therapists earn a median hourly pay of $40.83, which is notably lower than the national hourly median of $49.71. This disparity can impact those seeking flexible work arrangements—such as part-time positions (three days a week) or per-diem roles—in various settings like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Depending on their experience level, occupational therapists in Hot Springs can expect an hourly range from $26.46 at entry-level positions up to $64.64 for the highest earners. These figures are projected for 2026, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data. For those considering work as a per diem occupational therapist, the potential earnings and variety of work settings can make this field appealing, despite the lower hourly wages relative to the national average.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.46 | $211.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.11 | $296.90 |
| Median (P50) | $40.83 | $326.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.54 | $460.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.64 | $517.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hot Springs
Based on $40.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $40.83/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hot Springs, AR can expect to earn approximately $84,931 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,999. With a cost-of-living index of 85.73 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hot Springs.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hot Springs
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,633.29 | $7,078 | $84,931 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $979.98 | $4,247 | $50,959 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $653.32 | $2,831 | $33,973 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Hot Springs) | $40.83 |
| 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 Hot Springs, AR earn a median of $84,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.86% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 21.30% below the Arkansas state average of $107,918.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $40.83/hr = $50,959/year (purchasing power: $59,441).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,931/year (purchasing power: $99,068).
CoL index: 85.73 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$39.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$40.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Hot Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $39.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.08/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hot Springs grew 10.4% from $35.89/hr (2019) to $39.62/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.08/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 Hot Springs 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 Hot Springs
For occupational therapists in Hot Springs, part-time earning potential can be significant, particularly if they work a 3-day week totaling 24 hours. While they may bring home less than their full-time counterparts, they can still expect to earn around $52,000 annually if they maintain consistent hours. On the other hand, per-diem occupational therapists often bill between $50 and $75 per hour, with those holding the CHT credential in hand therapy potentially receiving $80 to $110 per hour. Occupational therapists may find opportunities across various employer types in the area, including skilled nursing facilities, school districts, and outpatient therapy clinics. Moreover, some therapists may choose lower hourly rates for the associated benefits such as health insurance, while others prefer higher wages without benefits for flexibility. In negotiation scenarios, it can be beneficial to assess the total compensation package rather than focusing solely on the hourly rate, especially in a competitive market like Hot Springs.
More salary data for Hot Springs, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Hot Springs in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Hot Springs?
Are occupational therapists in Hot Springs paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Hot Springs?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Hot Springs?
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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 Hot Springs. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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