Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $47.51 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Lexington, SC runs $47.51 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $98,815 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $51.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,293 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Lexington, SC, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $47.51 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $49.71. This hourly rate offers opportunities for various work arrangements, making it suitable for professionals seeking part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, or per-diem positions across facilities like hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay for occupational therapy can range significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $34.46 and top earners achieving as much as $57.52 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data projected for 2026, reflecting the diverse earning potential within this critical healthcare profession.
About the Lexington 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) | $34.46 | $275.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.87 | $310.99 |
| Median (P50) | $47.51 | $380.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.01 | $424.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.52 | $460.14 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $47.51/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $47.51/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $98,822 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,013. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,900.43 | $8,235 | $98,822 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,140.26 | $4,941 | $59,293 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $760.17 | $3,294 | $39,529 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Lexington) | $47.51 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $98,815 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.43% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $104,566.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $47.51/hr = $59,293/year (purchasing power: $64,801).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $98,822/year (purchasing power: $108,002).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$46.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$47.51/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $39.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $44.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $46.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47.51/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lexington grew 18.1% from $39.03/hr (2019) to $46.10/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.96/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
For occupational therapists considering part-time work in Lexington, the financial landscape varies substantially compared to full-time roles. An occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $59,710 annually, while those who work full-time might take home significantly more, depending on their placements. Per-diem occupational therapist pay in Lexington typically falls within the range of $50 to $75 per hour, with specially credentialed hand therapists, those with CHT titles, commanding rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. The shift between employer types—be it skilled nursing facilities versus school districts—can influence overall hourly compensation. Additionally, therapists must weigh benefits against hourly pay; some may accept lower hourly rates for jobs with health insurance. Effective negotiation tactics in Lexington include researching average pay rates and articulating one's unique qualifications to advocate for desired compensation.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Lexington?
Are occupational therapists in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Lexington?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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