Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Columbia, SC: $50.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Columbia, SC runs $50.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $105,791 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Columbia's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.7, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $54.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,473 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Columbia, South Carolina, earn a median hourly rate of $50.86, which is slightly above the national median of $49.71. This competitive pay allows for a favorable financial scenario for part-time workers, such as those working three days a week in various settings, including hospital rehab units and outpatient therapy clinics. The hourly range for occupational therapists in the area spans from $38.18 at the entry level to $55.62 for those at the top of their field. As reported in the latest estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, these rates reflect the demand for skilled professionals who often provide essential services to diverse populations, whether in skilled nursing facilities or home health environments.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.18 | $305.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.74 | $333.91 |
| Median (P50) | $50.86 | $406.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.93 | $423.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.62 | $444.97 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Columbia
Based on $50.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $50.86/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Columbia, SC can expect to earn approximately $105,789 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,032. With a cost-of-living index of 93.66 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Columbia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Columbia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,034.40 | $8,816 | $105,789 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,220.64 | $5,289 | $63,473 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $813.76 | $3,526 | $42,316 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Columbia) | $50.86 |
| 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 Columbia, SC earn a median of $105,791 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.31% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 1.10% above the South Carolina state average of $104,640.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $50.86/hr = $63,473/year (purchasing power: $67,769).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $105,789/year (purchasing power: $112,948).
CoL index: 93.662 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$40.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$50.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+28.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $40.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $46.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.42/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbia grew 21.3% from $40.67/hr (2019) to $49.35/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.42/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 Columbia 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 Columbia
When looking at part-time earning potential, a 24-hour work week translates to significant annual earnings for occupational therapists compared to their full-time counterparts. For those considering per diem opportunities, occupational therapists frequently charge between $50 and $75 per hour, with certified hand therapists (CHTs) earning upwards of $80 to $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Additionally, travel OT contracts can range from $1,800 to $2,800 weekly. In Columbia, hourly rates can differ based on the type of employer, with skilled nursing facilities typically offering lower rates than outpatient clinics or specialized programs like early intervention or mental health services. Therapists often weigh the benefits of higher hourly wages against the security of health insurance and other benefits offered by full-time employment. Those negotiating hourly positions in Columbia should emphasize both their credentials and the unique demands of the local market to secure favorable terms.
More salary data for Columbia, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Columbia in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Columbia?
Are occupational therapists in Columbia paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Columbia?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Columbia?
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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 Columbia. 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