Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The average salary for Occupational Therapistss in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $87,980. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Fort Smith, AR-OK is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.34x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $87,980 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $145,600.
- Outlook: The current demand for Occupational Therapistss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 130 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Fort Smith, AR-OK economy.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-11.3%below the national average.
$42.3
$1,692
$7,332
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Occupational Therapists salaries in Fort Smith, AR-OK have remained stable with a modest increase of 7.5%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
The earning potential for Occupational Therapistss in Fort Smith, AR-OK varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 4.0x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $35,990, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $145,600.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $35,990 | $17.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $65,985 | $31.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $88,070 | $42.3 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $109,975 | $52.9 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $145,600 | $70 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$87,980
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$87,980
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Fort Smith, AR-OK, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $87,980 to $87,980.
Job Market Context
130
Total Jobs
1.327
Per 1K Jobs
1.34
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.34, Fort Smith, AR-OK has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Occupational Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
130 people work as Occupational Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK.
1.327 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Occupational Therapists positions — a typical concentration.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR Occupational Therapists Salary | $104,880↑ 19% | 51 mi |
| Hot Springs, AR Occupational Therapists Salary | $82,080↓ 7% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Occupational Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $87,980. This typically ranges from $35,990 for entry-level positions to $145,600 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 11.3% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place for Occupational Therapistss?
Yes, Fort Smith, AR-OK is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($87,980), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Occupational Therapistss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($104,880) and Hot Springs, AR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 130 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 1.327 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK