Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Greenville, SC: $50.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Greenville, SC runs $50.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,472 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Greenville's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.3, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,280 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Greenville, South Carolina, the median occupational therapist hourly pay stands at $50.71, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This competitive rate reflects opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers across various settings such as rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient clinics. Entry-level occupational therapists can expect to earn around $37.51 per hour, while experienced professionals may reach as high as $57.73 per hour. Such an hourly wage allows practitioners flexibility in scheduling, making it viable for those aiming to work three days a week or pursuing per-diem roles. The figures represent projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, and indicate a favorable environment for OTs in the region.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37.51 | $300.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.54 | $332.35 |
| Median (P50) | $50.71 | $405.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.33 | $418.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.73 | $461.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Greenville
Based on $50.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.71/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Greenville, SC can expect to earn approximately $105,467 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $60,847. With a cost-of-living index of 93.26 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Greenville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Greenville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,028.22 | $8,789 | $105,467 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,216.93 | $5,273 | $63,280 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $811.29 | $3,516 | $42,187 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Greenville) | $50.71 |
| 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 Greenville, SC earn a median of $105,472 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.00% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% above the South Carolina state average of $104,635.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.71/hr = $63,280/year (purchasing power: $67,854).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,467/year (purchasing power: $113,090).
CoL index: 93.26 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$35.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+47.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $45.87/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.26/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Greenville grew 38.5% from $35.52/hr (2019) to $49.20/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.26/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 Greenville 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 Greenville
When considering part-time work, an occupational therapist in Greenville who averages 24 hours a week could earn approximately $63,000 annually, a scenario which can be appealing compared to a full-time commitment. Per diem occupational therapists typically charge between $50 and $75 per hour depending on demand and their services' specific nature. Those with the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential have the potential to command between $80 and $110 per hour due to their specialized skills, while travel contracts can yield weekly earnings ranging from $1,800 to $2,800. Hourly rates also differ across various employer types, such as outpatient centers versus skilled nursing facilities. The choice between higher hourly wages devoid of benefits or moderate rates that include health insurance can significantly impact earnings and job satisfaction. For occupational therapists in Greenville, understanding the nuances of compensation, including negotiation for better hourly rates, remains critical in a field that is evolving alongside the entry-level doctoral transition by 2027.
More salary data for Greenville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Greenville in 2026?
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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 Greenville. 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