Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay in Tega Cay, SC: $46.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapist working in Tega Cay, SC runs $46.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $96,518 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Weighted against Tega Cay's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $50.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tega Cay, SC, occupational therapists can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $46.41 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $49.71. This rate reflects the overall earnings environment for part-time and per-diem occupational therapists working in various settings, such as hospital rehabilitation units, skilled nursing facilities, school therapy rooms, and outpatient clinics. With an hourly range extending from $35.92 at the entry-level to $56.81 for top earners, the potential for a flexible work schedule is distinct in this profession. Occupational therapists often choose part-time roles, averaging around three days a week, which can make for a manageable work-life balance while still earning a competitive wage based on hours worked.
About the Tega Cay 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) | $35.92 | $287.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.50 | $316.02 |
| Median (P50) | $46.41 | $371.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $52.27 | $418.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.81 | $454.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tega Cay
Based on $46.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $46.41/hr, a occupational therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tega Cay, SC can expect to earn approximately $96,528 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $55,690. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tega Cay.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tega Cay
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,856.32 | $8,044 | $96,528 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,113.79 | $4,826 | $57,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $742.53 | $3,218 | $38,611 |
Compare OT, OTR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapist (Tega Cay) | $46.41 |
| 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 Tega Cay, SC earn a median of $96,518 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.66% lower than the national median of $103,400 and 7.70% below the South Carolina state average of $104,570.
Occupational Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $46.41/hr = $57,917/year (purchasing power: $63,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $96,528/year (purchasing power: $105,496).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$45.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$46.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Tega Cay (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $41.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $43.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $45.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tega Cay grew 18.1% from $38.13/hr (2019) to $45.03/hr (2025). At a 3.06% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.83/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 Tega Cay 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 Tega Cay
Occupational therapists in Tega Cay working part-time, specifically those maintaining a 24-hour workweek, can expect to bring home around $58,112 annually, compared to their full-time colleagues earning higher due to more hours worked. The per diem occupational therapist pay in Tega Cay varies significantly, with typical billing rates ranging from $50 to $75 per hour; those with specialized certifications, such as Certified Hand Therapists (CHT), command even higher rates between $80 and $110 per hour in cash-pay practices. Different employer types, including skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy clinics, also shape hourly earnings due to varying reimbursement structures. Many occupational therapists face a trade-off between higher pay without benefits and lower hourly rates that offer comprehensive health insurance. For those looking to negotiate their pay, emphasizing workload flexibility, market rates in Tega Cay, and the value of your specialized skills can lead to more favorable terms in a competitive hiring environment.
More salary data for Tega Cay, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapists in Tega Cay in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapists make in Tega Cay?
Are occupational therapists in Tega Cay paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapist make per year in Tega Cay?
Do occupational therapists earn more per hour working part-time in Tega Cay?
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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 Tega Cay. 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 Tega Cay 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