Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Goose Creek, SC: $35.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Goose Creek, SC runs $35.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,012 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Goose Creek's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,804 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Goose Creek, SC, the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants is projected to be $35.10 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $35.74 per hour. This rate provides a reasonable income that benefits both full-time and part-time workers, especially those seeking flexible schedules in settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, outpatient clinics, and home health environments. Part-time professionals working three days a week can expect to earn nearly $5,000 less annually than their full-time counterparts, while per-diem occupational therapy assistants might earn between $30 to $45 per hour, depending on demand and setting. The disparity in pay highlights a range from entry-level positions starting at around $26.77 per hour to experienced practitioners who can reach up to $42.50 per hour, showcasing the growth potential within the career.
About the Goose Creek 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) | $26.77 | $214.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.11 | $240.90 |
| Median (P50) | $35.10 | $280.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.14 | $305.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.50 | $340.01 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Goose Creek
Based on $35.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.10/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Goose Creek, SC can expect to earn approximately $73,007 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,119. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Goose Creek.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Goose Creek
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,403.97 | $6,084 | $73,007 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $842.38 | $3,650 | $43,804 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $561.59 | $2,434 | $29,203 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Goose Creek) | $35.10 |
| 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 Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $73,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.78% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $76,054.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.10/hr = $43,804/year (purchasing power: $47,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,007/year (purchasing power: $79,789).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.04/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek grew 17.5% from $29.04/hr (2019) to $34.14/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.09/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 Goose Creek 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 Goose Creek
Considering the financial landscape for occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek, part-time workers earning $35.10 hourly could take home approximately $43,632 a year for a 3-day workweek, which is considerably less than the annual income of a full-time employee in the same role. For those opting for per-diem work, the flexibility offers lucrative opportunities; however, it often comes with variability in workload and merit-based pay. Many occupational therapy assistants find themselves at agencies, where billing rates can range significantly depending on the employer type. Due to changing regulations such as the 15% Medicare Part B cut implemented in 2022, some professionals accept lower hourly rates for steady benefits such as health insurance. This trade-off can be essential when negotiating pay, and understanding the demands of various settings—like school districts versus home health agencies—can empower COTAs to secure optimal rates during discussions.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Goose Creek?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Goose Creek?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Goose Creek?
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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 Goose Creek. 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 Goose Creek 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