Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Spartanburg, SC: $42.53 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Spartanburg, SC runs $42.53 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Spartanburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,081 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Spartanburg, South Carolina, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay stands at a competitive $42.53, which is significantly higher than the national median of $35.74. This favorable rate can benefit both part-time workers, typically clocking around three days a week, and per-diem occupational therapy assistants who provide services in various settings such as skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehabilitation units, and outpatient clinics. For those starting their careers, entry-level positions offer hourly wages beginning around $27.47, while experienced professionals can earn up to $44.25. These figures, drawn from official Bureau of Labor Statistics data, highlight the economic opportunities present in Spartanburg for anyone entering the occupational therapy assistant field.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.47 | $219.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $31.89 | $255.13 |
| Median (P50) | $42.53 | $340.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.43 | $347.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.25 | $354.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Spartanburg
Based on $42.53/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.53/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Spartanburg, SC can expect to earn approximately $88,468 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,039. With a cost-of-living index of 91.05 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Spartanburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Spartanburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,701.30 | $7,372 | $88,468 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,020.78 | $4,423 | $53,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $680.52 | $2,949 | $35,387 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Spartanburg) | $42.53 |
| 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 Spartanburg, SC earn a median of $88,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.00% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 16.30% above the South Carolina state average of $76,060.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.53/hr = $53,081/year (purchasing power: $58,298).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,468/year (purchasing power: $97,163).
CoL index: 91.051 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.53/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+43.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Spartanburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $35.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.53/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Spartanburg grew 35.5% from $30.54/hr (2019) to $41.37/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.73/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 Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg
In terms of financial flexibility, a part-time occupational therapy assistant working a schedule of three days a week can expect to make a substantial income of about $53,000 annually. This is in contrast to full-time roles, which can lead to salaries exceeding $88,458. Per diem and agency positions present an entirely different earning potential, as these professionals often bill at rates between $30 to $45 per hour, depending on demand and service complexity. Although the reimbursement rate from Medicare has faced reductions following the 15% cut in 2022, the demand for COTAs remains steady across Spartanburg's various work environments, including outpatient clinics and home health agencies. However, those accepting roles in skilled nursing facilities may experience a trade-off, as hourly rates tend to be lower compared to other settings but may come with the added benefit of health insurance. When negotiating their hourly compensation, it’s advisable for assistants to research local rates and emphasize their certification by NBCOT, along with any specialized training or credentials.
More salary data for Spartanburg, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Spartanburg in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Spartanburg?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Spartanburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Spartanburg?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Spartanburg?
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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 Spartanburg. 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, 7-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