Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $49.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Bluffton, SC runs $49.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $101,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $53.56 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $61,158 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Bluffton, SC, earn a median hourly rate of $49.01, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly pay structure significantly impacts part-time and per-diem workers, who typically operate in settings such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, and outpatient therapy clinics. For those working three days a week, the earnings can provide a stable income stream while allowing for flexibility. The hourly rate spans a range from $36.77 at the entry-level up to $63.59 for the most experienced practitioners in the field. These figures are based on projected earnings for 2026 derived from BLS estimates, reflecting the current demand for occupational therapists amidst the evolving healthcare landscape.
About the Bluffton 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) | $36.77 | $294.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.04 | $328.31 |
| Median (P50) | $49.01 | $392.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57.15 | $457.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $63.59 | $508.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $49.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $49.01/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $101,930 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,806. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,960.20 | $8,494 | $101,930 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,176.12 | $5,097 | $61,158 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $784.08 | $3,398 | $40,772 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Bluffton) | $49.01 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $101,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.42% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 2.60% below the South Carolina state average of $104,651.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $49.01/hr = $61,158/year (purchasing power: $66,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $101,930/year (purchasing power: $111,399).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$49.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.89/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.55/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bluffton grew 18.1% from $40.26/hr (2019) to $47.55/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $50.50/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Considering the financial dynamics, an occupational therapist working part-time for 24 hours a week could take home approximately $49,000 annually, significantly lower than those in full-time roles, who typically enjoy greater stability and benefits. Per-diem occupational therapists in Bluffton usually bill between $50 to $75 per hour, while Certified Hand Therapists (CHT) can command rates of $80 to $110 in cash-pay practices. Travel contracts often provide even higher compensation, ranging from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. The variety in hourly rates arises from differing employer types; skilled nursing facilities and early intervention programs may offer lower wages in exchange for health benefits, while outpatient clinics could provide higher rates without the same level of workplace support. For OTs entering negotiations, it’s prudent to consider not only the hourly pay but also the benefits offered, striking a balance that aligns with their financial needs and professional goals in the Bluffton area.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Bluffton?
Are occupational therapists in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Bluffton?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Bluffton?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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