Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Mauldin, SC: $35.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Mauldin, SC runs $35.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,847 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Mauldin's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,907 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Mauldin, South Carolina, is projected to be $35.98, which is slightly higher than the national hourly median of $35.74. This rate places COTAs in a comfortable position for both part-time and per-diem roles within various healthcare settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. With an hourly range from $25.95 for entry-level positions to $41.73 for experienced practitioners, these wage estimates highlight opportunities for COTAs to earn competitive wages based on their experience and the specific setting they work in. Such figures are derived from projected annual earnings, reflecting considerations of both regional demands and the overall career landscape.
About the Mauldin 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) | $25.95 | $207.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.95 | $255.63 |
| Median (P50) | $35.98 | $287.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.09 | $304.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.73 | $333.84 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mauldin
Based on $35.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.98/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mauldin, SC can expect to earn approximately $74,846 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,180. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mauldin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mauldin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,439.34 | $6,237 | $74,846 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.60 | $3,742 | $44,907 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.74 | $2,495 | $29,938 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Mauldin) | $35.98 |
| 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 Mauldin, SC earn a median of $74,847 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.69% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.60% below the South Carolina state average of $76,064.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.98/hr = $44,907/year (purchasing power: $49,079).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,846/year (purchasing power: $81,799).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mauldin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.99/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mauldin grew 17.5% from $29.78/hr (2019) to $35.00/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.99/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 Mauldin 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 Mauldin
Transitioning into the earning potential for part-time occupational therapy assistants, individuals working three days a week, with an expected workload of approximately 24 hours, could anticipate a yearly income that falls significantly below their full-time counterparts. Those opting for per-diem opportunities or agency positions tend to see between $30 and $45 per hour, but seasonal realities—especially noted after the reimbursement cuts in 2022—can influence these figures. In Mauldin, the nature of employment varies greatly, with hourly pay differing among skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and educational institutions. While some organizations offer lower hourly wages, they may provide essential benefits such as health insurance, prompting COTAs to evaluate their situation carefully. By considering factors like employer type and benefits, those looking to negotiate their pay in Mauldin can make informed decisions about their career paths in occupational therapy assistance.
More salary data for Mauldin, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Mauldin in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Mauldin?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Mauldin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Mauldin?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Mauldin?
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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 Mauldin. 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 Mauldin 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