Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Clemson, SC: $70,016 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Clemson, SC earns a median $70,016/year (≈ $33.66/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $76,520 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clemson, South Carolina, the earning potential for occupational therapy assistants shows a promising outlook with a projected median annual salary of $70,016 in 2026. This figure reflects the impact of various employment settings, particularly as occupational therapy assistants navigate the post-Medicare cut realities. Their salaries range from approximately $53,565 at the 10th percentile to about $83,206 at the 90th percentile. These local estimates, based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations, highlight the challenges and opportunities present in Clemson's job market. As the demand for therapy services continues to grow, especially in skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics, occupational therapy assistants may find competitive compensation within this evolving landscape.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,565 | $25.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,697 | $29.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,016 | $33.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,539 | $36.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,206 | $40.00 |
Median Salary Position
5.81% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $29,641 (2026 est.). At $70,016, the local median is 5.81% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be above the median
How Clemson Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Clemson median: $70,016/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $76,021 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.81% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clemson, SC earn a median of $70,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $76,021.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,016 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,520 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,939
2025 BLS Actual
$68,102
2026 Current Est.
$70,016
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,939 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,285 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,146 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,519 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,926 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,102 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,016 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,983 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $57,939 (2019) to $68,102 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,983 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,044 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $53,565 – $61,697 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,697 – $70,016 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,016 – $75,539 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,539 – $83,206 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Clemson
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Clemson is presently modest, with only six professionals employed in the area. A cost-of-living index of 91.5 suggests that salaries in the region stretch further compared to more expensive markets, improving the take-home purchasing power for workers. Among various employers like schools and hospitals, settings such as inpatient rehab tend to offer higher compensation, although productivity expectations and contract types play significant roles in determining pay. The recent 15% cut to Medicare reimbursements for OTA-provided services, effective since 2022, has created discrepancies in earnings, particularly affecting skilled nursing facilities. For those looking to maximize their occupational therapy assistant pay in Clemson, strategies like seeking position placements in high-demand settings, negotiating contract terms that favor year-round work, and remaining informed about reimbursement changes can enhance financial outcomes.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Clemson, SC in 2026?
Is Clemson, SC a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Clemson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Clemson?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Clemson?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $68,102 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Clemson metropolitan area. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clemson 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