Back to the national Occupational Therapy Assistant profile

Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start

Allied healthcare

Arkansas employs 730 occupational therapy assistants, with a statewide median of $78,940 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Arkansas licensing picture, and where to train.

What Occupational therapy assistants Earn in Arkansas (May 2025)

Arkansas median pay: $78,940 (May 2025)
Starting range (10th percentile): $50,710
Experienced (75th percentile): $85,020
Top earners (90th percentile): $98,960
Employed in Arkansas: 730
U.S. median (for comparison): $68,340 (May 2024)

Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for occupational therapy assistants in major Arkansas markets:

Fayetteville: $80,910 (100 employed)
Fort Smith: $80,660 (40 employed)
Texarkana: $79,720 (40 employed)
Little Rock: $78,720 (260 employed)
Jonesboro: $78,660 (90 employed)
Memphis: $64,010 (150 employed)

What That Pay Is Worth in Arkansas

Prices in Arkansas run about 13% below the national average (cost-of-living index 86.9 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $78,940 median stretches to roughly $90,840 in national buying-power terms.

Job Outlook in Arkansas (2024–2034)

Arkansas is projected to grow occupational therapy assistants employment +28.8%, faster than the +19.3% projected nationally. The state expects about 100 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.

Arkansas License and Certification Requirements

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) — regulated by the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Examining Committee (Arkansas Medical Board).

Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.
Pass the NBCOT certification exam to become a COTA.
Apply through the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Examining Committee.

Official requirements: Arkansas Occupational Therapy Examining Committee (Arkansas Medical Board) →

Training in Arkansas

Strong demand in rehab, pediatrics, and senior care. Confirm ACOTE accreditation and fieldwork placements.

Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Arkansas include:

Arkansas State University — Associate
Arkansas State University Mid-South — Associate
Arkansas State University-Beebe — Associate
Arkansas Tech University — Associate

Where Occupational therapy assistants Work in Arkansas

Real Arkansas outpatient rehab clinics that employ occupational therapy assistants include:

F & S Therapy Inc — Alma
Arkadelphia Physical Therapy Center — Arkadelphia
Ozark Physical Therapy Inc — Berryville
Kymes Lyons Physical Therapy & Sports Performance — Conway
Select Physical Therapy — Conway
Star Physical Therapy, LP — Farmington

Is This the Right Move for You?

Best for: Patient, practical people who enjoy helping others rebuild daily-life skills.

Think twice if: You want independent desk work or dislike clinical documentation.

Why it's resilient: Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

First Steps

Find ACOTE-accredited OTA programs and review fieldwork requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Arkansas?

The median wage for occupational therapy assistants in Arkansas is $78,940 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $50,710, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $98,960. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.

What license or certification do you need to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas?

Licensed Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA), overseen by the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Examining Committee (Arkansas Medical Board). Earn an ACOTE-accredited OTA associate degree.

Is being an Occupational Therapy Assistant a good career in Arkansas?

Occupational therapy support blends hands-on care, adaptation, human context, and patient motivation.

Which Arkansas metros pay occupational therapy assistants the most?

Among Arkansas metro areas, Fayetteville leads at $80,910, followed by Fort Smith ($80,660), Texarkana ($79,720). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.

Where can I train to become an Occupational Therapy Assistant in Arkansas?

Real Arkansas options include Arkansas State University, Arkansas State University Mid-South, Arkansas State University-Beebe. Most occupational therapy assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.

Is Occupational Therapy Assistant a growing career in Arkansas?

Arkansas projects occupational therapy assistants employment to change +28.8% from 2024 to 2034, with about 100 openings a year — a growing field in the state.

Sources and Verification

Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Arkansas statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Arkansas Occupational Therapy Examining Committee (Arkansas Medical Board) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.

BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Arkansas wages · Arkansas licensing/certification source

Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).

Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.