Senior Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Texarkana, AR: $98,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of occupational therapy assistants working in Texarkana, AR — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $98,686/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 31-2011. Strip back Texarkana's price premium (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $113,563 in average-cost America. The 21% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana, Arkansas, with significant experience can expect to earn a noteworthy annual salary, particularly at the senior level. The projected 2026 data indicates that top earners in this field may achieve salaries as high as $98,686, with the 75th percentile earning around $88,476. This substantial earning potential reflects the experience premium present in the market, as the median salary stands at $81,275, showcasing a considerable gap that rewards seasoned professionals. To reach these top-tier figures, it typically requires not only extensive clinical experience—generally more than seven years—but also advanced certifications or specializations that demonstrate increased competency in specialized areas of care.
About the Texarkana Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Texarkana
Experienced occupational therapy assistants at the top of the pay scale in Texarkana earn between $88,476 and $98,686 per year (2026 est.). This $36,478 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Texarkana median of $81,275 sits 9.34% above the US median.
Top OTA Salary Comparison
| Level | Texarkana | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $81,275 | $74,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,476 | $81,384 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $98,686 | $92,303 |
In Texarkana, experienced occupational therapy assistants (P90) earn 21.42% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Texarkana
Advanced Certifications in Arkansas
AR occupational therapy assistants with additional specialty certifications within the occupational therapy field earn significantly above the $81,275 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Texarkana employers.
Specialty Focus
Occupational Therapy Assistants focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the occupational therapy field in Texarkana command premium compensation, often reaching the $88,476–$98,686 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Texarkana metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced occupational therapy assistants who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured occupational therapy assistants in Texarkana with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Arkansas who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Career & Wage Growth Path in Texarkana
Clinical Occupational Therapy Assistant
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Occupational Therapy Assistant
5-10 yearsOccupational Therapy Assistant Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedTexarkana ranks #7 of 21 Arkansas cities for top earner occupational therapy assistant salary (90th percentile: $98,686).
Top 10% occupational therapy assistant compensation in Texarkana ($98,686) is 1.83% below the Arkansas average P90 ($100,521).
2019 BLS Actual
$87,895
2025 BLS Actual
$95,989
2026 Current Est.
$98,686
2019–2027 Growth
+15.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Texarkana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $89,905 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,757 | Actual |
| 2022 | $91,499 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,401 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,289 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $101,459 | Projected |
Top-earning occupational therapy assistants (90th percentile) in Texarkana saw their compensation grow 9.2% from $87,895 in 2019 to $95,989 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 2.81% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $101,459 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Occupational Therapy Assistant Earnings in Texarkana
In Texarkana, those pursuing senior occupational therapy assistant pay can enhance their value through niche expertise in areas such as pediatric care, hand therapy, and mental health support. Various employers offer different compensation structures, where skilled nursing facilities might pay less in comparison to inpatient rehabilitation units and outpatient clinics, which often have higher budgets. There are also leadership pathways available for experienced COTAs, including roles like clinic operations coordinator or regional clinical educator, supporting professional growth while potentially increasing earnings. The right credentials, including passing the NBCOT exam and obtaining state licensure, significantly boost salary prospects. With changes in reimbursement rates, such as the 15% Medicare cut for OTA services affecting Bay agencies since 2022, understanding the compensation landscape in Texarkana is vital for those in advanced roles aiming to maximize their salaries.
More salary data for Texarkana, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced occupational therapy assistants make in Texarkana in 2026?
What drives higher occupational therapy assistant pay in Texarkana?
What certifications boost occupational therapy assistant salary in Texarkana?
Can experienced occupational therapy assistants make six figures in Texarkana?
How much does occupational therapy assistant salary increase over time in Texarkana?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $95,989 for occupational therapy assistants in the Texarkana metro area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
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 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