Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Jonesboro, AR: $38.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Jonesboro, AR runs $38.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,870 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Jonesboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $45.28 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,526 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Jonesboro, Arkansas, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a median rate of $38.88, which surpasses the national median of $35.74 for this role. This hourly rate is particularly beneficial for part-time workers, such as those employed three days a week, and for per-diem practitioners who may be offering their services in diverse settings like skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. For those entering the field or working part-time, the compensation ranges from as low as $26.08 to as much as $46.05 per hour, reflecting the varying demand for occupational therapy assistant services in the area. These figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, highlight an attractive hourly landscape for COTAs seeking flexible work arrangements in Jonesboro.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.08 | $208.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.90 | $263.19 |
| Median (P50) | $38.88 | $311.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.29 | $322.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.05 | $368.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jonesboro
Based on $38.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.88/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jonesboro, AR can expect to earn approximately $80,876 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,659. With a cost-of-living index of 85.88 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Jonesboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jonesboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,555.31 | $6,740 | $80,876 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.19 | $4,044 | $48,526 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.12 | $2,696 | $32,350 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Jonesboro) | $38.88 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jonesboro, AR earn a median of $80,870 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.80% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 25.20% above the Arkansas state average of $64,593.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.88/hr = $48,526/year (purchasing power: $56,507).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,876/year (purchasing power: $94,178).
CoL index: 85.876 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$37.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Jonesboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $37.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $37.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.98/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jonesboro grew 23.4% from $30.65/hr (2019) to $37.82/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.98/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jonesboro 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Jonesboro
Considering part-time work, an occupational therapy assistant averaging 24 hours a week could expect to earn roughly $48,000 annually, while full-time COTAs may realize earnings significantly higher. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Jonesboro typically ranges from $30 to $45 hourly, and those seeking travel contracts can earn between $1,100 and $1,700 weekly. However, the decline in skilled nursing facility rates following the 15% Medicare cut has led to reduced hourly pay in some settings. Different employers, such as school districts, outpatient therapy centers, and home health agencies, may offer varied rates, which can influence overall take-home pay and benefits. Occupational therapy assistants might prefer slightly lower hourly rates from employers providing health insurance and other benefits. For those negotiating their wages, understanding the local job market patterns and remaining open to flexible contracts can enhance opportunities in this evolving labor landscape in Jonesboro, AR.
More salary data for Jonesboro, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Jonesboro in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Jonesboro?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Jonesboro. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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 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