Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Simpsonville, SC: $48.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Simpsonville, SC runs $48.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $100,742 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Simpsonville's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $60,451 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Simpsonville, South Carolina, the hourly wage for occupational therapists is projected to be $48.44 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $49.71. This rate presents various opportunities for flexibility in work schedules, especially for those opting for part-time positions, typically working three days a week in diverse settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, schools, and outpatient clinics. For those entering the profession, hourly pay starts around $36.91, while top earners can make up to $60.31 per hour. This range allows occupational therapists the freedom to tailor their work lives according to their financial needs or personal preferences, whether through steady employment or per-diem arrangements that are increasingly popular in the field.
About the Simpsonville 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) | $36.91 | $295.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.81 | $326.49 |
| Median (P50) | $48.44 | $387.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55.19 | $441.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $60.31 | $482.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Simpsonville
Based on $48.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.44/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Simpsonville, SC can expect to earn approximately $100,751 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $58,126. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Simpsonville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Simpsonville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,937.53 | $8,396 | $100,751 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,162.52 | $5,038 | $60,451 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $775.01 | $3,358 | $40,301 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Simpsonville) | $48.44 |
| 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 Simpsonville, SC earn a median of $100,742 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.57% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 3.70% below the South Carolina state average of $104,613.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.44/hr = $60,451/year (purchasing power: $66,067).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $100,751/year (purchasing power: $110,111).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$39.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Simpsonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.42/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $43.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Simpsonville grew 18.1% from $39.80/hr (2019) to $47.00/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $49.92/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 Simpsonville 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 Simpsonville
Focusing on the financial viability of part-time roles, an occupational therapist working 24 hours a week could potentially take home around $60,237 annually, which offers a competitive alternative to full-time positions. Per diem occupational therapist pay in Simpsonville typically falls between $50 and $75 per hour, while specialized hand therapists with the CHT credential can command rates as high as $80-$110 hourly. Employment type greatly influences hourly rates; settings like outpatient clinics tend to offer higher wages compared to school district contracts or early intervention programs. Occupational therapists may consider benefits when weighing job offers; those accepting lower hourly rates at more traditional employment often benefit from health insurance, whereas higher hourly wages may come with less job security and fewer perks. Negotiating for compensation in Simpsonville requires a clear understanding of local market rates, skills, and specialty certifications that can justify requests for higher pay or better working conditions.
More salary data for Simpsonville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Simpsonville in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Simpsonville?
Are occupational therapists in Simpsonville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Simpsonville?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Simpsonville?
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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 Simpsonville. 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 Simpsonville 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