Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Little Rock, AR: $51.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Little Rock, AR runs $51.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,883 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.4, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,734 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Little Rock, Arkansas, the 2026 projected median occupational therapist hourly pay is $51.87, which is above the national median of $49.71. This competitive rate positions practitioners favorably, especially those working part-time or in per-diem roles within common settings such as skilled nursing facilities, outpatient clinics, and school therapy rooms. Those who opt for part-time positions, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a solid amount, while per-diem options often provide flexibility and can command varying rates. Entry-level occupational therapists in Little Rock may start at around $32.29 an hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $68.18 per hour, reflecting the breadth of opportunities in this vital healthcare field as reported in the latest BLS projections.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.29 | $258.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.33 | $322.62 |
| Median (P50) | $51.87 | $414.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63.54 | $508.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68.18 | $545.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Little Rock
Based on $51.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.87/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $107,890 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,244. With a cost-of-living index of 89.36 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,074.80 | $8,991 | $107,890 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,244.88 | $5,394 | $64,734 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $829.92 | $3,596 | $43,156 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Little Rock) | $51.87 |
| 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 Little Rock, AR earn a median of $107,883 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.34% higher than the national median of $103,400.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.87/hr = $64,734/year (purchasing power: $72,438).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,890/year (purchasing power: $120,731).
CoL index: 89.364 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $37.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.35/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Little Rock grew 41.1% from $35.66/hr (2019) to $50.33/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.46/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 Little Rock 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 Little Rock
For those considering part-time roles in Little Rock, an occupational therapist working 24 hours a week can realistically expect to take home approximately $64,000 annually, which can provide a suitable income depending on one’s lifestyle and expenses in the area. Meanwhile, the per diem occupational therapist pay in Little Rock ranges between $50 to $75 per hour, with those holding the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential potentially earning $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts may also yield substantial rates averaging $1,800 to $2,800 per week. The hourly variations across different employers, such as school districts versus inpatient rehab, highlight the need for negotiation skills. Many therapists may choose lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive benefits, while those willing to forgo health insurance can seek higher hourly rates. As the demand for therapy services grows, strategic insights into local salary trends can empower therapists in Little Rock to make informed decisions about their careers.
More salary data for Little Rock, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Little Rock in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Little Rock?
Are occupational therapists in Little Rock paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Little Rock?
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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 Little Rock. 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