Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Easley, SC: $70,536 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Easley, SC earns a median $70,536/year (≈ $33.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Easley's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $77,089 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Easley, South Carolina, occupational therapy assistants can expect a median annual salary of $70,536 in 2026, presenting a viable earning potential compared to the national median of $74,332. With a salary range from $55,145 at the 10th percentile to $82,371 at the 90th percentile, these figures reflect local estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price variations. Pursuing the transition from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) may enhance lifetime earnings significantly, as more advanced qualifications typically lead to higher-paying roles. This regional pay structure indicates that while the job market for COTAs in Easley is stable, potential improvements in financial compensation may benefit those who pursue advanced education and skill development within the field.
About the Easley Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,145 | $26.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,791 | $30.19 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,536 | $33.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,200 | $36.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,371 | $39.60 |
Median Salary Position
5.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Easley
In Easley, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,226 (2026 est.). At $70,536, the local median is 5.11% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Easley: You'd be above the median
How Easley Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Easley median: $70,536/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Easley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $76,008 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.11% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Easley, SC earn a median of $70,536 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.11% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.20% below the South Carolina state average of $76,008.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Easley 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.
Easley, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,536 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $77,089 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$58,369
2025 BLS Actual
$68,608
2026 Current Est.
$70,536
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Easley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,369 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,726 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,578 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,969 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,588 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,326 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,608 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,536 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,518 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Easley metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,369 (2019) to $68,608 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,518 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,149 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Easley 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) | $55,145 – $62,791 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,791 – $70,536 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,536 – $75,200 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,200 – $82,371 |
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 Easley
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Easley remains small, with only four professionals currently employed, suggesting limited competition but also fewer opportunities. The cost of living index in Easley stands at 91.5, making it more affordable than many regions, which can positively impact the take-home pay of occupational therapy assistants. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation programs are likely to offer the most competitive pay grades, driven by the workload expectations and the intensity of services provided. Factors influencing salary variation include productivity demands, the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut on service delivery, and differences in contract structures between school districts and private practice settings. For those aspiring to maximize their earnings, seeking employment with high-demand employers and remaining flexible with work hours, especially in environments requiring weekend or PRN coverage, can be strategic in enhancing occupational therapy assistant pay in Easley, SC.
More salary data for Easley, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Easley, SC in 2026?
Is Easley, SC a good place to work as a occupational therapy assistant?
Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Easley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Easley?
How much does a occupational therapy assistant make per hour in Easley?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $68,608 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Easley 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 Easley 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