Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Conway, SC: $32.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Conway, SC runs $32.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,532 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,519 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, South Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected to be $32.47 for 2026, which is lower than the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate provides a solid foundation for those working part-time, such as individuals seeking a balance with other commitments by working three days a week. For instance, an occupational therapy assistant in this setting may contribute in environments such as skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and outpatient clinics, all while exercising the flexibility to potentially pursue per-diem opportunities. Entry-level positions start around $25.09 per hour, progressing to the top earners at $37.51 per hour. Data suggests that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, but they effectively represent the pay structure for those entering the field or those established in their careers.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.09 | $200.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.68 | $229.47 |
| Median (P50) | $32.47 | $259.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.46 | $275.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.51 | $300.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $32.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.47/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, SC can expect to earn approximately $67,532 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,961. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,298.70 | $5,628 | $67,532 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $779.22 | $3,377 | $40,519 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $519.48 | $2,251 | $27,013 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Conway) | $32.47 |
| 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 Conway, SC earn a median of $67,532 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.15% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 11.20% below the South Carolina state average of $76,049.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.47/hr = $40,519/year (purchasing power: $44,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,532/year (purchasing power: $73,806).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Conway grew 17.5% from $26.87/hr (2019) to $31.58/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.38/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 Conway 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 Conway
Occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Conway can expect an annual income close to $39,000 for a 24-hour work week, a significant contrast to full-time wages. For those opting for per-diem or agency roles, earnings can fluctuate widely since per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Conway is often billed between $30 and $45 per hour. Travel contracts for certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs) can yield up to $1,700 weekly, although subsequent reimbursement cuts implemented in 2022 may have led to diminished pay in skilled nursing facilities. Hourly compensation varies among employer types in Conway, as positions in schools or outpatient clinics may offer differing benefits and rates compared to home health agencies. Occupational therapy assistants might choose positions with lower hourly wages in exchange for comprehensive health benefits or higher rates without such coverage. When negotiating pay in Conway, COTAs should aim to emphasize their qualifications and training, including any experience with Medicare regulations and educational credentials like those from AOTA or NBCOT.
More salary data for Conway, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Conway in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Conway?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Conway paid hourly or salary?
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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 Conway. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Conway is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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