Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $48.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Charleston, SC runs $48.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,545 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $48.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,927 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Charleston, South Carolina, the **occupational therapist hourly pay** is projected to be $48.82 in 2026, slightly below the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate provides a robust earning potential for various work arrangements, including part-time positions typically set at around three days a week, allowing therapists to effectively balance work and personal life. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to start at about $31.31 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $63.37 per hour, enabling them to tailor their schedules according to their preferences, which is essential in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units or outpatient clinics. The data presented here is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the realistic earning opportunities in Charleston for those in the occupational therapy profession.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.31 | $250.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.93 | $327.40 |
| Median (P50) | $48.82 | $390.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.67 | $477.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.37 | $506.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $48.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.82/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $101,545 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,583. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,952.78 | $8,462 | $101,545 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,171.67 | $5,077 | $60,927 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $781.11 | $3,385 | $40,618 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Charleston) | $48.82 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Speech-Language Pathologist (National Avg) | $43.80 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapists in Charleston, SC earn a median of $101,545 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.79% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.90% below the South Carolina state average of $104,578.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.82/hr = $60,927/year (purchasing power: $60,346).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,545/year (purchasing power: $100,577).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$38.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Charleston grew 22.3% from $38.74/hr (2019) to $47.37/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.31/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston 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 3.06% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapist in Charleston
For those considering a part-time career as an occupational therapist in Charleston, working a 24-hour week translates to an annual income significantly less than that of full-time peers. Many part-time OTs generate a stable income of around $48,000 annually, compared to over $100,000 for full-time positions. Furthermore, **per diem occupational therapist pay in Charleston** can vary widely, with many professionals billing hourly rates between $50 and $75, particularly in short-term roles or specialty fields like hand therapy, where credentials such as CHT can push earnings to an impressive $80-$110. OT salaries can fluctuate depending on the employer type—whether in skilled nursing facilities, early intervention programs, or schools—affecting both pay and work stability. While some OTs may accept lower hourly rates for the added benefits of health insurance, others might choose the flexibility of higher hourly pay without benefits. Negotiating salary can be more advantageous if you understand the local job market and articulate your value based on skills and specialties, making informed decisions that align with your professional goals in this evolving field.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Charleston?
Are occupational therapists in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Charleston?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Charleston?
Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapists in Charleston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.06%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapists (SOC 29-1122).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov