Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $36.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Columbia, SC runs $36.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,419 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,857 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Columbia, South Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay reaches a competitive median of $36.74, surpassing the national median hourly rate of $35.74. This financial advantage allows part-time employees working three days a week to earn a sustainable income while balancing their schedule. Typically employed across various settings—skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits—COTAs have the flexibility to take on per-diem roles as well. For those just entering the field, hourly rates begin at $15.33, while experienced professionals can earn up to $42.48, reflecting their growing expertise and the demand for skilled services. This data is sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.33 | $122.63 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.12 | $208.99 |
| Median (P50) | $36.74 | $293.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.07 | $312.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.48 | $339.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $36.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.74/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $76,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,093. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.77 | $6,369 | $76,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.86 | $3,821 | $45,857 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.91 | $2,548 | $30,571 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Columbia) | $36.74 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbia, SC earn a median of $76,419 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.81% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 0.50% above the South Carolina state average of $76,038.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.74/hr = $45,857/year (purchasing power: $48,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,428/year (purchasing power: $81,600).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia grew 17.5% from $30.41/hr (2019) to $35.74/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.78/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Columbia 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.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Columbia
For a part-time occupational therapy assistant working 24 hours a week, the annual takeaway can be substantial, though less than for those in full-time roles. With hourly wages in Columbia generally falling between $15.33 and $42.48, part-time workers can expect to have significant flexibility in their lives, particularly in managing personal commitments. The per diem compensation for occupational therapy assistants tends to hover between $30 and $45 per hour, while travel contracts can offer even higher rates ranging from $1,100 to $1,700 per week. Despite the ongoing impact of the 15% Medicare Part B cut, which took effect in 2022, employers, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, may compensate differently. COTAs might choose lower hourly rates for consistent health insurance benefits or higher rates without benefits, depending on their situation. Negotiation strategies in Columbia can be beneficial; understanding local market trends and demonstrating expertise can reinforce standing in pay discussions, enhancing overall occupational therapy assistant hourly rate SC.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia in 2026?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Columbia. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 6-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