Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $34.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Sumter, SC runs $34.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,410 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $38.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,445 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapy assistants in Sumter, SC, earn a median hourly rate of $34.81, slightly lower than the national median of $35.74. This hourly pay reflects the compensation for various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, school therapy rooms, outpatient clinics, and home health visits. For part-time workers who may seek opportunities three days a week, this rate can provide a solid income. The hourly range extends from $26.08 for entry-level positions to $42.84 for some of the highest earners, giving potential employees a broad spectrum of earning possibilities. However, it's essential to remember that these hourly figures are derived from the projected annual salaries and may vary based on experience and specific roles within the community.
About the Sumter 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) | $26.08 | $208.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.29 | $242.30 |
| Median (P50) | $34.81 | $278.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.84 | $342.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $34.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.81/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $72,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,774. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,392.46 | $6,034 | $72,408 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $835.48 | $3,620 | $43,445 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $556.98 | $2,414 | $28,963 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Sumter) | $34.81 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $72,410 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.59% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.80% below the South Carolina state average of $76,061.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.81/hr = $43,445/year (purchasing power: $47,481).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,408/year (purchasing power: $79,134).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.81/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.79/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sumter grew 17.5% from $28.81/hr (2019) to $33.86/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.79/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
For occupational therapy assistants working part-time in Sumter, the income can fluctuate significantly based on their weekly hours. A part-time COTA working 24 hours weekly could expect to take home around $43,000 annually, offering a comfortable living, albeit less than a full-time counterpart. On a per-diem basis, occupational therapy assistants commonly bill between $30 and $45 per hour, with traveling COTA contracts offering substantial weekly compensation ranging from $1,100 to $1,700. This reality contrasts with typical agency rates, which have adjusted following the 15% reimbursement cut affecting Medicare. Pay can vary across different employer types; skilled nursing facilities may offer lower hourly rates compared to outpatient clinics or schools but might provide healthcare benefits that some COTAs value. Negotiation is key; those seeking higher pay might need to accept positions without benefits, and leveraging experience can be crucial in discussions with potential employers across Sumter.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Sumter in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Sumter?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Sumter paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Sumter?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Sumter?
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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 Sumter. 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 Sumter 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