Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Summerville, SC: $35.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Summerville, SC runs $35.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,445 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Summerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Summerville, South Carolina, the median occupational therapy assistant hourly pay is projected at $35.79 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $35.74. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those pursuing positions in skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, outpatient clinics, or home health settings. For occupational therapy assistants working only three days a week, earning a typical hourly wage can support a comfortable lifestyle, while those in per-diem roles can choose to work their schedules flexibly, with rates ranging from $26.42 at the entry level to as high as $45.91 for experienced professionals. This hourly compensation reflects the estimated scales derived from the annual salary data, presenting promising potential for assistants at varying stages in their careers.
About the Summerville 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) | $26.42 | $211.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.98 | $247.81 |
| Median (P50) | $35.79 | $286.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.23 | $321.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.91 | $367.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Summerville
Based on $35.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.79/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Summerville, SC can expect to earn approximately $74,439 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,946. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Summerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Summerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,431.53 | $6,203 | $74,439 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $858.92 | $3,722 | $44,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $572.61 | $2,481 | $29,776 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Summerville) | $35.79 |
| 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 Summerville, SC earn a median of $74,445 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.15% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 2.10% below the South Carolina state average of $76,042.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.79/hr = $44,664/year (purchasing power: $48,813).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,439/year (purchasing power: $81,355).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.81/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Summerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.81/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Summerville grew 17.5% from $29.61/hr (2019) to $34.81/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.79/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 Summerville 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 Summerville
Looking at the earnings landscape, occupational therapy assistants on a part-time schedule, averaging 24 hours a week, might take home a significant portion of annual earnings when compared to full-time counterparts. In Summerville, per diem occupational therapy assistant pay is competitive, with rates often hovering between $30 and $45 per hour, allowing for variable income depending on demand and specialty. Additionally, travel contracts for COTAs can yield lucrative weekly payments ranging from $1,100 to $1,700, demonstrating the financial flexibility within the profession. However, the hourly rates can vary across different work environments, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower pay due to the impact of prior Medicare cuts on reimbursement. Occupational therapy assistants selecting positions may face a trade-off between securing health benefits or opting for higher hourly pay without them. When preparing for negotiations, it is crucial to emphasize skills and certifications, leveraging connections to enhance the base hourly rate, and ensuring comprehensive understanding of the local market in Summerville, SC.
More salary data for Summerville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Summerville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Summerville?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Summerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Summerville?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Summerville?
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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 Summerville. 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 Summerville 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