Columbia vs North Charleston: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,419 | $79,560▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.74 | $38.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,892 | $52,779▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,345 | $69,517▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,261 | $86,853▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,355 | $98,284▲ |
| Total Employed | 120▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $3,141 (4.11%). North Charleston's median is +7.03% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $56,463,North Charleston spans $45,505. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($86,951 effective) pays 6.57% more than Columbia ($81,590 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($79,560/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,284)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,951)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Columbia grew 19.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 28.1% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$62,180 (2020) → $74,330 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$60,407 (2024) → $77,385 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Columbia or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Columbia to North Charleston as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Columbia vs North Charleston?
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