Charleston vs Lexington: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,545▲ | $98,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.82▲ | $47.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $65,134 | $71,676▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,117▲ | $80,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $124,115▲ | $110,272 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $131,814▲ | $119,641 |
| Total Employed | 320▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $2,730 (2.76%). Charleston's median is -1.79% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $66,680,Lexington spans $47,965. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($107,995 effective) pays 7.37% more than Charleston ($100,577 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,545/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($131,814)
- ✓Larger job market (320 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,995)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Charleston grew 22.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 29.0% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$80,590 (2019) → $98,530 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$74,327 (2024) → $95,881 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov