Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Fort Mill, SC: $73,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Fort Mill, SC earns a median $73,183/year (≈ $35.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Fort Mill's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $79,981 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Mill, South Carolina, becoming an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) presents a promising financial outlook, especially for those considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge. The 2026 median annual salary for OTAs in the area is projected at $73,183, slightly below the national figure of $74,332, illustrating a competitive local market. Salary ranges from a lower threshold of $55,601 to a high of $86,189, providing a broad spectrum for professionals depending on their experience and setting. These figures stem from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, indicating a robust demand for occupational therapy services in this community. With 5 occupational therapy assistants currently employed in Fort Mill, the local job market retains potential for growth and development.
About the Fort Mill Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,601 | $26.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,974 | $30.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,183 | $35.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,473 | $37.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,189 | $41.43 |
Median Salary Position
1.55% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fort Mill
In Fort Mill, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,588 (2026 est.). At $73,183, the local median is 1.55% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Fort Mill: You'd be above the median
How Fort Mill Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Fort Mill median: $73,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fort Mill Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $75,995 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.55% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Mill, SC earn a median of $73,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.55% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $75,995.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fort Mill 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.
Fort Mill, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $73,183 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,981 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,560
2025 BLS Actual
$71,183
2026 Current Est.
$73,183
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Fort Mill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,560 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,968 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,776 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,365 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,183 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,240 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fort Mill metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,560 (2019) to $71,183 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,240 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,680 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fort Mill 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) | $55,601 – $63,974 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,974 – $73,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,183 – $78,473 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,473 – $86,189 |
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 Fort Mill
While the pay for occupational therapy assistants may seem modest in comparison to national averages, the cost of living in Fort Mill, indexed at 91.5, plays a significant role in shaping overall compensation. This relatively affordable living situation enhances take-home purchasing power, making even lower salary brackets more appealing. Local employers, particularly skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation centers, tend to offer higher wages. Factors contributing to the discrepancy in salaries include differences in work settings, productivity requirements, and available contracts—such as school year roles versus year-round positions. Additionally, the recent 15% Medicare reimbursement rate cut has impacted earnings, particularly in settings dependent on these reimbursements. To maximize pay locally, OTAs should consider diversifying their skill set, pursuing further education, and exploring contracts with facilities known for offering performance-based bonuses or weekend premiums.
More salary data for Fort Mill, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Fort Mill, SC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Fort Mill?
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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 $71,183 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Fort Mill 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 Fort Mill 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