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Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, AR

How much does a occupational therapist make in Fort Smith? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Fort Smith's cost of living.

Median Salary
$56,288
per year in Fort Smith
Entry Level
$37,525
Starting salary
Senior Level
$76,301
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
80
20% below national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how occupational therapist salaries break down across different pay periods in Fort Smith.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$37,525$56,288$76,301
Monthly$3,127$4,691$6,358
Biweekly$1,443$2,165$2,935
Weekly$722$1,082$1,467
Hourly$18$27$37

Fort Smith vs National Average

How Fort Smith's occupational therapist salaries compare to national figures.

Fort Smith Salary
$56,288
COL Index: 80
National Average
$87,950
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$31,662
Lower in Fort Smith

Cost of Living in Fort Smith

1-Bedroom Rent
$700
per month
Median Income
$36,450
per year
Population
89,142
residents
Rent % of Income
23.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 80 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Fort Smith have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Occupational Therapist

Overview

Help patients develop and maintain skills for daily living and work.

Education

Master's degree in Occupational Therapy; licensure required

Key Skills

Therapeutic TechniquesPatient AssessmentTreatment PlanningRehabilitation

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +17% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Occupational Therapist Salary

See Occupational Therapist salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$102,750
+83%
Los Angeles, CA
$115,380
+105%
Chicago, IL
$100,940
+79%
Houston, TX
$101,050
+80%
Phoenix, AZ
$103,090
+83%

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Occupational Therapist Salary in Fort Smith, AR — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a occupational therapist in Fort Smith, AR is $56,288 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 80. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Fort Smith's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level occupational therapist professionals in Fort Smith can expect to earn around $37,525 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level occupational therapists earning approximately $76,301 per year. This represents a 103% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Fort Smith's cost of living index of 80 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a lower cost-of-living city, salaries in Fort Smith are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,950, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a occupational therapist's salary in Fort Smith typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $700 per month, housing represents about 14.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Occupational Therapists are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 17% over the next decade. In Fort Smith, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.