Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Anderson, SC: $51.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Anderson, SC runs $51.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $107,906 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Anderson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $56.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $64,747 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapist hourly pay in Anderson, South Carolina, is projected to be $51.88, which slightly surpasses the national hourly median of $49.71. This rate offers considerable earning potential for those working part-time, such as three days a week, and for per-diem therapists operating in diverse settings like hospital rehab units, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient therapy clinics. For entry-level positions, hourly pay starts at approximately $38.25, while experienced professionals can earn upwards of $64.81 an hour. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates and indicate a strong demand for occupational therapy services in the area, reflecting both the expertise required and the responsibility carried by those in the profession.
About the Anderson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.25 | $305.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42.95 | $343.56 |
| Median (P50) | $51.88 | $415.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.81 | $470.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64.81 | $518.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anderson
Based on $51.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.88/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anderson, SC can expect to earn approximately $107,911 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $62,256. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anderson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anderson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,075.22 | $8,993 | $107,911 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,245.13 | $5,396 | $64,747 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $830.09 | $3,597 | $43,164 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Anderson) | $51.88 |
| 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 Anderson, SC earn a median of $107,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.36% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 3.10% above the South Carolina state average of $104,661.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.88/hr = $64,747/year (purchasing power: $70,761).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $107,911/year (purchasing power: $117,936).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.34/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Anderson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $43.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $42.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $46.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.34/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Anderson grew 18.1% from $42.62/hr (2019) to $50.34/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $53.47/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 Anderson 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 Anderson
The part-time earning potential for a 3-day-per-week occupational therapist in Anderson equates to approximately $54,000 annually, a significant difference compared to full-time therapists whose commitments yield higher take-home pay. Per diem occupational therapists typically command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, while certified hand therapists can earn even more, with some billing as high as $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Various employment settings across Anderson contribute to discrepancies in hourly rates; skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab may offer different pay structures compared to outpatient clinics or school district contracts. Many occupational therapists balance the trade-off between potentially lower hourly rates that include benefits and higher pay without health insurance. When pursuing these opportunities, therapists should strive to negotiate based on their specific skills, including any advanced credentials like CHT, to optimize their compensation in a competitive market.
More salary data for Anderson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Anderson in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Anderson?
Are occupational therapists in Anderson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Anderson?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Anderson?
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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 Anderson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Anderson 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 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