Occupational Therapist Salary in Fayetteville, AR: $111,130 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fayetteville, AR earns a median $111,130/year (≈ $53.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fayetteville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.4), that paycheck buys what $121,649 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% above the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fayetteville, AR, the projected median occupational therapist salary for 2026 stands at $111,130, surpassing the national median of $103,400 by 7.48%. This robust compensation reflects a range between $63,990 at the 10th percentile and $148,664 at the 90th percentile, indicating a varied market that rewards experience and specialized skills. Data sourced from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys illustrates the growth trajectory anticipated for the profession, with an annual growth rate of 3.06%. As practitioners in Fayetteville consider their career prospects, understanding the impact of specialty certifications such as the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) can significantly enhance earning potential and influence employer choice.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,990 | $30.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,825 | $46.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $111,130 | $53.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,664 | $71.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $148,664 | $71.47 |
Median Salary Position
7.48% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, AR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $84,674 (2026 est.). At $111,130, the local median is 7.48% above the national median of $103,400.
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How Fayetteville Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fayetteville median: $111,130/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fayetteville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $107,893 | +3.00% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +7.48% more |
Occupational Therapists in Fayetteville, AR earn a median of $111,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.48% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.00% above the Arkansas state average of $107,893.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fayetteville has a cost of living 8.65% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fayetteville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 91.353 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $111,130 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $121,649 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.47% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,520
2025 BLS Actual
$107,830
2026 Current Est.
$111,130
2019–2027 Growth
+26.5%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fayetteville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,520 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,980 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,550 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,010 | Actual |
| 2023 | $99,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $103,860 | Actual |
| 2025 | $107,830 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $111,130 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $114,530 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fayetteville metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 19.1% from $90,520 (2019) to $107,830 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $114,530 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,010 (26.52%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fayetteville 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) | $63,990 – $96,825 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,825 – $111,130 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $111,130 – $148,664 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,664 – $148,664 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fayetteville
With approximately 450 occupational therapists active in the Fayetteville job market, local demand remains strong despite a cost-of-living index of 91.353, indicating a more affordable environment compared to national averages. This economic factor enhances overall purchasing power for professionals in the area. Among the city's employers, skilled nursing facilities generally offer lower compensation, while hospitals and outpatient hand therapy clinics tend to pay more due to the complexity of services provided. The variation in occupational therapist pay in Fayetteville can also be attributed to factors such as settings, contract types, and varying productivity expectations across the calendar year. To maximize earning potential, therapists should pursue additional certifications like the CHT and seek opportunities in higher-paying sectors, ensuring they remain competitive in an evolving healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Fayetteville, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Fayetteville, AR in 2026?
Is Fayetteville, AR a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Fayetteville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Fayetteville?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Fayetteville?
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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 $107,830 for occupational therapistsin the Fayetteville 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
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