Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Greer, SC: $37.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Greer, SC runs $37.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Greer's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,486 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Greer, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for occupational therapy assistants is $37.25. This figure exceeds the national average of $35.74, indicating a competitive wage for COTAs in the region. For those working part-time, such as a 24-hour week schedule typically spread over three days, this hourly rate reflects a viable earning potential, especially in settings like outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health visits. On the lower end, entry-level positions may see rates beginning at around $27.28, while experienced COTAs can earn up to $45.28 per hour, providing a wide spectrum of pay depending on experience and specific work environments. These hourly rates, derived from annual salary estimates, offer insight into the financial landscape for current and future occupational therapy assistants in Greer.
About the Greer 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) | $27.28 | $218.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.06 | $256.45 |
| Median (P50) | $37.25 | $297.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.58 | $324.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.28 | $362.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greer
Based on $37.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.25/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greer, SC can expect to earn approximately $77,476 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,698. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greer.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greer
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,489.92 | $6,456 | $77,476 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $893.95 | $3,874 | $46,486 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $595.97 | $2,583 | $30,990 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Greer) | $37.25 |
| 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 Greer, SC earn a median of $77,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.22% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.90% above the South Carolina state average of $76,028.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.25/hr = $46,486/year (purchasing power: $50,804).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,476/year (purchasing power: $84,673).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.82/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Greer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.58/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.29/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greer grew 17.5% from $30.82/hr (2019) to $36.23/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.29/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 Greer 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 Greer
Evaluating the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Greer reveals noteworthy differences compared to their full-time counterparts. A COTA on a 3-day work week could bring home approximately $46,560 annually, a significant difference from those committed to full-time schedules earning a median salary. For per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Greer, rates typically range from $30 to $45 per hour, with positions often found in school districts or agency work. Travel contracts can increase earnings substantially, offering $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, although agency pay might have decreased due to adjustments from the Medicare cut implemented in 2022. Differences in hourly rates based on employer type highlight the trade-offs that COTAs must consider; some opt for lower hourly compensations in exchange for health benefits in settings like hospitals, while others might pursue higher pay without perks in outpatient or home health roles. Negotiating hourly rates effectively in Greer involves understanding market conditions and being well-prepared to discuss one’s experience and specialized skills.
More salary data for Greer, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Greer in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Greer?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Greer paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Greer?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Greer?
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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 Greer. 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 Greer 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