Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC: $57,748 (2026)
Quick Answer:New occupational therapy assistants entering the Myrtle Beach, SC job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $57,748 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 31-2011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Myrtle Beach's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,669 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($68,800) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
With an entry-level occupational therapy assistant salary in Myrtle Beach projected at $57,748 for 2026, new graduates should have realistic expectations as they enter the workforce. This starting pay is noticeably below the city's median annual salary of $68,800, highlighting a gap that entry-level professionals will need to navigate early in their careers. However, there is potential for salary growth, with first-year earnings likely to rise toward the P25 figure of $63,681 within a few years as individuals gain experience and skill. The Myrtle Beach market presents a viable opportunity for recent graduates of accredited OTA programs, particularly as the region sees a steady growth rate of 2.81% annually, indicating a rising demand for occupational therapy services.
Career Earnings Timeline in Myrtle Beach
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Myrtle Beach
Entry-level occupational therapy assistants in Myrtle Beach, SC typically start between $57,748 and $63,681 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $27,790 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $68,800 — 7.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average occupational therapy program cost in South Carolina of $18,000 represents just 31.17% of the starting occupational therapy assistant pay ($57,748/year) in Myrtle Beach. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on ACOTE-accredited Occupational Therapy Assistant associate degree programs. Tuition varies between community college and private technical school settings.
OTA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Myrtle Beach
- 1Research the Myrtle Beach market: entry-level occupational therapy assistant pay ranges from $57,748 to $63,681, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the occupational therapy field — employers in SC often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Myrtle Beach, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Myrtle Beach for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Myrtle Beach's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Compensation Range
The occupational therapy assistant wage spread in Myrtle Beach is $27,790 ( 48.12%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $57,748, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,538.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,780
2025 BLS Actual
$56,170
2026 Current Est.
$57,748
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Myrtle Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,780 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,010 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,880 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,380 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,910 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,748 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,371 | Projected |
Entry-level occupational therapy assistant compensation (10th percentile) in Myrtle Beach, SC grew 22.7% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $45,780 in 2019 to $56,170 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $59,371. New graduates entering the Myrtle Beach job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your occupational therapy Career in Myrtle Beach
Employers within Myrtle Beach that commonly hire new graduate occupational therapy assistants include skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), which are often the largest recruiters. School districts offer appealing options for those seeking a balanced work-life schedule, especially considering the summer holidays. Outpatient clinics generally prefer experienced COTAs, though they may be willing to train fresh graduates in specialized areas such as pediatrics or hand therapy. Success in this profession typically requires the completion of an ACOTE-accredited associate's degree, passing the NBCOT national exam to obtain the COTA credential, and acquiring a state license. New graduates should also consider pursuing additional credentials in advanced practice areas defined by the AOTA, as this can further enhance their earning potential. Although the 15% Medicare Part B cut for services provided by occupational therapy assistants, which took effect in 2022, has placed some pressure on entry-level wages in SNF and outpatient settings, dedicated individuals can realistically aim for salary increments in their first three years by focusing on skill development and possibly bridging to a master's degree in occupational therapy (MOT) later on.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for occupational therapy assistants in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
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Is occupational therapy school worth it in Myrtle Beach?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new occupational therapy graduates. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Myrtle Beach. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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