Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, AR: $100,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Fort Smith, AR earns a median $100,731/year (≈ $48.43/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Fort Smith's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.9), that paycheck buys what $117,282 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% below the Arkansas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Smith, Arkansas, occupational therapists can expect a median annual salary of $100,731 in 2026, revealing a competitive market for qualified professionals in the field. This figure is supported by a comprehensive salary range from $38,472 at the 10th percentile to $137,142 at the 90th percentile, as derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. Although the median salary in Fort Smith is slightly below the national mark of $103,400, local demand for skilled occupational therapists remains robust, bolstered by emerging roles across various healthcare settings. The opportunities for salary increases, especially for those with Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credentials, position Fort Smith as a worthy contender for occupational therapy professionals seeking to advance their careers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,472 | $18.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,056 | $39.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $100,731 | $48.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $121,972 | $58.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $137,142 | $65.93 |
Median Salary Position
2.58% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Smith
In Fort Smith, AR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $98,670 (2026 est.). At $100,731, the local median is 2.58% below the national median of $103,400.
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How Fort Smith Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Fort Smith median: $100,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Smith Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $107,849 | -6.60% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | -2.58% less |
Occupational Therapists in Fort Smith, AR earn a median of $100,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.58% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 6.60% below the Arkansas state average of $107,849.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Smith has a cost of living 14.11% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fort Smith, AR has a cost-of-living index of 85.888 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $100,731 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $117,282 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.43% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,250
2025 BLS Actual
$97,740
2026 Current Est.
$100,731
2019–2027 Growth
+13.8%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Fort Smith (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,250 | Actual |
| 2020 | $84,190 | Actual |
| 2021 | $78,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,000 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $88,070 | Actual |
| 2025 | $97,740 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $100,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $103,813 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Smith metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 7.1% from $91,250 (2019) to $97,740 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $103,813 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,563 (13.77%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Smith 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) | $38,472 – $82,056 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,056 – $100,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $100,731 – $121,972 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $121,972 – $137,142 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Fort Smith
Looking deeper into the job market, Fort Smith employs around 140 occupational therapists, reflecting a stable demand within the region. The cost-of-living index stands at 85.888, indicating that while salaries might trend below national averages, the purchasing power for residents can still be favorable. In terms of employer comparison, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation sectors often provide the highest compensation, whereas school district contracts and outpatient settings generally offer lower pay. The variation in salaries can be attributed to factors such as workplace setting, additional accreditations like CHT, and productivity expectations. To maximize earnings within Fort Smith, occupational therapists should consider pursuing specialized certifications, negotiating contracts in higher-paying environments, and maintaining adaptability with respect to shifting demand in local healthcare services.
More salary data for Fort Smith, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $97,740 for occupational therapistsin the Fort Smith 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