Occupational Therapist Salary in Bryant, AR: $101,942 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Bryant, AR earns a median $101,942/year (≈ $49.02/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Bryant's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $117,310 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Bryant, Arkansas, can expect to earn a median annual compensation of $101,942, which reflects a slight decrease compared to the national median of $103,400. The salary range for this profession spans from $74,347 at the 10th percentile to $123,197 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse pay structure influenced by various factors. The estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, with adjustments made to account for local cost of living factors. In Bryant's healthcare landscape, therapists may find employment opportunities in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), schools, and outpatient clinics, each offering distinct advantages, such as year-round contracts in hospitals versus school-year arrangements in educational settings.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,347 | $35.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,477 | $40.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $101,942 | $49.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $113,846 | $54.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,197 | $59.23 |
Median Salary Position
1.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bryant
In Bryant, AR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,850 (2026 est.). At $101,942, the local median is 1.41% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Bryant Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Bryant median: $101,942/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bryant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $107,875 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -1.41% less |
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.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bryant has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bryant, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $101,942 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $117,310 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$83,752
2025 BLS Actual
$98,915
2026 Current Est.
$101,942
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $83,752 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,063 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,363 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,866 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,011 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $98,915 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $101,942 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,061 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bryant metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $83,752 (2019) to $98,915 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,061 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,309 (25.44%) from 2019.
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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $74,347 – $83,477 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,477 – $101,942 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $101,942 – $113,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $113,846 – $123,197 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Bryant
The job landscape for occupational therapists in Bryant appears modest, with only four currently employed in the area. The local cost of living index at 86.9 suggests that salaries stretch further than in many other regions, thereby enhancing purchasing power despite a potential salary dip when compared to the national figures. Skilled nursing facilities tend to provide lower compensation; however, private outpatient clinics and hospitals may offer higher pay, particularly for those holding specialized credentials like Certified Hand Therapist (CHT). Factors contributing to the pay variability include setting preferences, certification premiums, and contractual arrangements between year-round and school-year employment. To optimize salary potential in Bryant, occupational therapists should consider pursuing additional certifications like CHT to command higher pay, while also evaluating job offers from healthcare employers with a proven track record of competitive compensation.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Bryant, AR in 2026?
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Can occupational therapists make $100K 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $98,915 for occupational therapistsin the Bryant metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
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