Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Bryant, AR: $44,361 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Bryant, AR job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $44,361 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bryant's local price level (BEA RPP 86.9 — 13% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,048 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($61,037) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the occupational therapy assistant field in Bryant, Arkansas, can expect an entry-level salary starting at around $44,361. While this figure represents the lower end of the pay scale, it’s essential for new grads to view this in the context of the city’s median salary for the profession, which stands at $61,037. This creates a reasonably attainable growth trajectory for early-career professionals, who can look forward to advancements in their pay as they gain experience. Over the first few years, newcomers can anticipate moving from the 10th percentile to the 25th percentile salary mark of $51,942, and eventually to the median, suggesting Bryant remains a viable market for recent graduates looking to launch their careers in occupational therapy.
About the Bryant Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bryant
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bryant
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Bryant, AR typically start between $44,361 and $51,942 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $25,192 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $61,037 — 17.89% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in Arkansas of $12,000 represents just 27.05% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($44,361/year) in Bryant. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Bryant
- 1Research the Bryant market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $44,361 to $51,942, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in AR often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bryant, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Bryant for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bryant's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Bryant is $25,192 ( 56.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $44,361, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,553.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,970
2025 BLS Actual
$43,149
2026 Current Est.
$44,361
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Bryant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,970 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,185 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,227 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,174 | Actual |
| 2023 | $40,786 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,911 | Actual |
| 2025 | $43,149 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,361 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,608 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Bryant, AR grew 23.4% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,970 in 2019 to $43,149 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $45,608. New graduates entering the Bryant job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Bryant
Several employers in Bryant actively seek to hire entry-level occupational therapy assistants, particularly skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which often provide the majority of opportunities for new COTAs. School districts may appeal to recent grads as they offer summer breaks, which can be a desirable perk. Outpatient clinics typically favor experienced professionals but often train new hires in specific therapy areas, like pediatrics or hand therapy. To maximize starting pay in Arkansas, candidates should hold an associate's degree from an ACOTE-accredited program, obtain the NBCOT certification, secure a state license, and consider any additional certifications that enhance their expertise. In the first three years, salary growth for COTAs is realistic yet incremental, especially given external pressures such as the 15% Medicare Part B cut affecting pay for OTA-provided services since 2022. Navigating the initial stages of their careers carefully will be essential to ensure stable advancement in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Bryant, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level 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 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Bryant. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov