Charleston vs Mount Pleasant: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,899▲ | $77,149 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.45▲ | $37.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,175▲ | $55,136 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,143▲ | $63,785 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,235 | $83,784▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,148▲ | $93,795 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Charleston and Mount Pleasant is $750 (0.97%). Charleston's median is +4.80% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $35,973,Mount Pleasant spans $38,659. Mount Pleasant has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Pleasant ($84,316 effective) pays 9.28% more than Charleston ($77,157 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,148)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,316)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Charleston grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.3% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$57,470 (2019) → $75,770 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$59,419 (2024) → $75,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Charleston or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Mount Pleasant as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Charleston vs Mount Pleasant?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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