Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Lexington, SC: $71,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Lexington, SC earns a median $71,817/year (≈ $34.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Lexington's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $78,489 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Lexington, SC is projected to reach a median of $71,817 annually, slightly lower than the national median of $74,332. This salary range indicates variability based on experience and work setting, with those earning the least around $51,912 (10th percentile) and those at the highest end potentially making $81,998 (90th percentile). Local estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted to account for the region's cost of living. Given that productivity expectations and visits-per-day directly impact compensation, occupational therapy assistants must effectively manage their caseload to secure competitive salaries. Lexington's job market reflects these dynamics, linked closely to service settings and the demand for rehabilitation services.
About the Lexington Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,912 | $24.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,079 | $29.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,817 | $34.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $75,410 | $36.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,998 | $39.42 |
Median Salary Position
3.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lexington
In Lexington, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,086 (2026 est.). At $71,817, the local median is 3.38% below the national median of $74,332.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lexington: You'd be above the median
How Lexington Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Lexington median: $71,817/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lexington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $75,997 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -3.38% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lexington, SC earn a median of $71,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $75,997.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lexington 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.
Lexington, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $71,817 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $78,489 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,429
2025 BLS Actual
$69,854
2026 Current Est.
$71,817
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,811 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,642 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,076 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,743 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,313 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,854 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,835 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lexington metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $59,429 (2019) to $69,854 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,835 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,406 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lexington 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) | $51,912 – $61,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,079 – $71,817 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,817 – $75,410 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $75,410 – $81,998 |
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 Lexington
Within Lexington, the local job market for occupational therapy assistants is relatively small, with only five COTAs employed in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 91.5, offering a lower-than-average financial burden, which may enhance the real purchasing power of salaries. Employers such as skilled nursing facilities and outpatient clinics are noted for providing higher wages compared to school districts and home health agencies. Factors such as productivity standards and whether the role includes weekend or PRN assignments can significantly influence overall compensation. Additionally, the 15% cut in Medicare reimbursements for OTA services, which came into effect in 2022, further complicates salary negotiations in specific settings. To maximize earnings as an occupational therapy assistant in Lexington, leveraging skills in sought-after clinical areas and capitalizing on seasonal demands, such as during the school year, may provide pathways to better pay.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Lexington, SC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Lexington?
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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 $69,854 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Lexington 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 Lexington 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