Occupational Therapist Salary in Texarkana, AR: $108,391 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Texarkana, AR earns a median $108,391/year (≈ $52.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Texarkana's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $124,731 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average occupational therapist salary in Texarkana, AR reaches an impressive $108,391, which surpasses the national median of $103,400 by 4.83%. The salary range for occupational therapists in the area spans from $83,228 at the 10th percentile to $139,327 at the 90th percentile, reflecting substantial variability influenced by the job setting. Occupational therapists in Texarkana can find employment opportunities across various environments, including hospitals, skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), and educational institutions. Each of these settings presents distinct advantages and challenges, such as the trade-off between year-round positions in healthcare versus school-year contracts in educational roles. With the current employment of seven occupational therapists in the city, professionals will need to assess their preferences for flexibility and job security in relation to their expected earnings.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($84,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,228 | $40.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,182 | $44.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $108,391 | $52.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,251 | $60.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $139,327 | $66.99 |
Median Salary Position
4.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
In Texarkana, AR, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,099 (2026 est.). At $108,391, the local median is 4.83% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Texarkana: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Texarkana Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Texarkana median: $108,391/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Texarkana Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $107,852 | +0.50% more |
| National Average | $103,400 | +4.83% more |
Occupational Therapists in Texarkana, AR earn a median of $108,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.83% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.50% above the Arkansas state average of $107,852.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Texarkana 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.
Texarkana, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $108,391 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $124,731 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$89,051
2025 BLS Actual
$105,173
2026 Current Est.
$108,391
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,051 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,701 | Actual |
| 2022 | $97,678 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,214 | Actual |
| 2025 | $105,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $108,391 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $111,708 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Texarkana metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $89,051 (2019) to $105,173 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $111,708 by 2027 — a total increase of $22,657 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Texarkana 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) | $83,228 – $92,182 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,182 – $108,391 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $108,391 – $125,251 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,251 – $139,327 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Texarkana
The local job market for occupational therapists in Texarkana is relatively niche, with only seven employed professionals. This limited number contributes to a competitive environment; however, the cost of living is lower than the national average, as indicated by a cost of living index of 86.9. This factor enhances the purchasing power of salaries, allowing residents to enjoy a comfortable standard of living even with regional pay scales. In Texarkana, hospitals tend to offer the highest compensation for occupational therapists, compared to other settings like SNFs, school districts, and outpatient therapy clinics. Key drivers of the wage spread include the nature of the work environment and productivity expectations, as well as any potential stipends for specialized certifications like the hand therapy CHT. To maximize earnings in this market, therapists should consider obtaining additional certifications and pursuing opportunities in higher-paying healthcare settings, all while weighing the trade-offs between career stability and earning potential.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Texarkana, AR in 2026?
Is Texarkana, AR a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Texarkana?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Texarkana?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Texarkana?
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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 $105,173 for occupational therapistsin the Texarkana 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 Texarkana 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