Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Mount Pleasant, SC: $77,149 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Mount Pleasant, SC earns a median $77,149/year (≈ $37.09/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Mount Pleasant's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $84,316 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for an occupational therapy assistant in Mount Pleasant, SC, is estimated to be $77,149, which is a slight increase compared to the national average of $74,332. The salary range is quite broad, spanning from $55,136 at the lowest 10th percentile to $93,795 at the highest 90th percentile. These figures are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, reflecting the unique economic climate of Mount Pleasant. For practitioners considering the pathway from Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), this transition can significantly enhance lifetime earnings, providing a valuable incentive not only for personal growth but also for long-term career stability within the field.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,136 | $26.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $63,785 | $30.67 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,149 | $37.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,784 | $40.28 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,795 | $45.09 |
Median Salary Position
3.79% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Pleasant
In Mount Pleasant, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,659 (2026 est.). At $77,149, the local median is 3.79% above the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Mount Pleasant: You'd be above the median
How Mount Pleasant Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Mount Pleasant median: $77,149/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mount Pleasant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $76,008 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $74,332 | +3.79% more |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mount Pleasant, SC earn a median of $77,149 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.79% higher than the national median of $74,332 and 1.50% above the South Carolina state average of $76,008.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mount Pleasant 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.
Mount Pleasant, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $77,149 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $84,316 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$63,841
2025 BLS Actual
$75,040
2026 Current Est.
$77,149
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,841 | Actual |
| 2020 | $65,325 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,069 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,685 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,419 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,040 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,149 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,317 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mount Pleasant metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $63,841 (2019) to $75,040 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,476 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Pleasant 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) | $55,136 – $63,785 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $63,785 – $77,149 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,149 – $83,784 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,784 – $93,795 |
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 Mount Pleasant
The job market in Mount Pleasant currently employs 19 occupational therapy assistants, indicating a niche yet establishing demand in the region. With a cost-of-living index of 91.5, residents can enjoy a favorable purchasing power compared to national averages, which may positively influence how far salaries stretch in daily life. Among the various employment settings, skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation tend to offer some of the highest pay, although factors such as weekend shifts or PRN roles can boost earnings. The recent 15% Medicare reimbursement cut is still influencing compensation levels, notably in skilled nursing and outpatient environments. For those aiming to improve their pay in this market, focusing on specialized skills, pursuing contracts that offer year-round employment, and exploring positions in higher-paying facilities can be effective strategies.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Mount Pleasant, SC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Mount Pleasant?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Mount Pleasant?
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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 $75,040 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant 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