Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Pine Bluff, AR: $50.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Pine Bluff, AR runs $50.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,304 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Pine Bluff's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $58.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, occupational therapists earn a median hourly rate of $50.62, which is slightly above the national median of $49.71. This rate provides a solid framework for part-time professionals and per-diem workers, who often engage in varied clinical settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. The hourly compensation for these therapy specialists ranges from $35.86 at the 10th percentile to $66.39 for the top earners. These estimates are drawn from annual salary data and intuitively translate into divergent earning potentials and job opportunities, particularly for those who seek flexible hours or short-term contracts within the region.
About the Pine Bluff 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) | $35.86 | $286.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.87 | $326.99 |
| Median (P50) | $50.62 | $404.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.41 | $475.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.39 | $531.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pine Bluff
Based on $50.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.62/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pine Bluff, AR can expect to earn approximately $105,296 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,748. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pine Bluff.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pine Bluff
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,024.92 | $8,775 | $105,296 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,214.95 | $5,265 | $63,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $809.97 | $3,510 | $42,118 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Pine Bluff) | $50.62 |
| 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 Pine Bluff, AR earn a median of $105,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.84% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 2.40% below the Arkansas state average of $107,893.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.62/hr = $63,178/year (purchasing power: $72,701).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,296/year (purchasing power: $121,169).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$41.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Pine Bluff (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $41.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.62/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $47.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.17/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pine Bluff grew 18.1% from $41.59/hr (2019) to $49.12/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.17/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 Pine Bluff 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 Pine Bluff
Part-time occupational therapists in Pine Bluff working three days a week can expect to take home a substantial annual income, distinguishing their financial trajectory from full-time colleagues. For example, a 24-hour workweek translates into about $62,267 yearly, which allows for a comfortable living while balancing personal commitments. For those in per-diem or agency roles, the pay can vary significantly depending on experience and specialization; many per diem occupational therapist pay in Pine Bluff falls between $50 and $75 per hour, with specialized credentialed hand therapists earning between $80 and $110 in cash-pay environments. Additionally, travel contracts frequently promise $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. Different employer types—ranging from mental health facilities to early intervention programs—also influence hourly rates. Therapists often face a decision between lower hourly wages with benefits versus higher rates without healthcare coverage. Negotiation plays a critical role in this sector, with professionals encouraged to articulate their worth and remain informed about prevailing wage standards to navigate their pay effectively.
More salary data for Pine Bluff, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Pine Bluff in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Pine Bluff?
Are occupational therapists in Pine Bluff paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Pine Bluff?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Pine Bluff?
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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 Pine Bluff. 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 Pine Bluff 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