Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Tega Cay, SC: $70,147 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Tega Cay, SC earns a median $70,147/year (≈ $33.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Tega Cay's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $76,663 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant salary in Tega Cay is projected to be $70,147, which is about 5.63% lower than the national median of $74,332. This local estimate indicates a salary range between $54,115 for the lowest earners and $81,031 for those at the top of the pay scale. These figures derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic conditions, reflecting the unique employment landscape of Tega Cay, SC. As occupational therapy assistants consider career advancements, such as pursuing a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT), they may find that bridging from a Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) to an MOT can enhance their lifetime earnings significantly, especially as demand for higher qualifications continues to grow in the field.
About the Tega Cay Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,115 | $26.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,973 | $29.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,147 | $33.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,394 | $35.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,031 | $38.95 |
Median Salary Position
5.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tega Cay
In Tega Cay, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,916 (2026 est.). At $70,147, the local median is 5.63% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Tega Cay: You'd be above the median
How Tega Cay Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Tega Cay median: $70,147/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tega Cay Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $75,999 | -7.70% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -5.63% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $70,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.63% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $75,999.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tega Cay 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.
Tega Cay, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $70,147 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,663 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,047
2025 BLS Actual
$68,230
2026 Current Est.
$70,147
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,047 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,397 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,255 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,027 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,230 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,147 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,118 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tega Cay metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $58,047 (2019) to $68,230 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,118 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,071 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tega Cay 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) | $54,115 – $61,973 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,973 – $70,147 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,147 – $74,394 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,394 – $81,031 |
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 Tega Cay
In Tega Cay, only four occupational therapy assistants are employed, highlighting a tight job market. With a cost-of-living index at 91.5, the purchasing power of salaries for these professionals can provide a comfortable lifestyle compared to the national average. Employment settings significantly influence pay, with skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab typically offering the highest wages. However, factors like the recent 15% Medicare cut on OTA services and productivity expectations in different settings lead to variances in compensation. To maximize earning potential in the local market, occupational therapy assistants might consider pursuing roles in environments with greater demand, such as outpatient clinics or home health agencies, and seek contracts that include weekend or PRN work, which often come with pay premiums.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Tega Cay, SC in 2026?
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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 $68,230 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay 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