Occupational Therapist Salary in South Carolina: $105,514 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Carolina's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median occupational therapist pay sits at $105,514/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 29-1122. Because South Carolina sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $115,316 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Spartanburg ($111,540), Greer ($104,808), Anderson ($104,702).
In 2026, the average median salary for occupational therapists in South Carolina is projected to be $105,514, which is slightly higher than the national median of $103,400, marking a 2.0% increase above the national average. Salaries vary across the state, with Spartanburg leading at $114,953, while Clemson presents the lowest at $96,337, resulting in a significant salary gap of $18,616 between these cities. This difference is primarily driven by the varying demand for occupational therapy services, cost of living, and the presence of healthcare facilities in each area. South Carolina has specific licensing requirements and scope of practice laws that play a role in shaping the job market. The state’s need for occupational therapists is supported by an aging population and increased awareness of the importance of rehabilitation services. Currently, there are 1,609 occupational therapists employed in the state, with a projected annual growth rate of 3.06% based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a growing demand for professionals in this field. As you consider a career in occupational therapy in South Carolina, keep in mind the diverse opportunities across the state, and the potential for career advancement in higher-paying regions.
South Carolina Occupational Therapist Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Carolina: $44,522 (lowest entry-level) to $141,077 (highest top earner)
South Carolina vs National Average
South Carolina occupational therapists earn 2.04% more than the national median (+$2,114/year difference).
South Carolina Occupational Therapist Salary Distribution (2026)
Occupational Therapist salaries in South Carolina range from $73,637 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $122,285 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $105,514. The South Carolina median is $2,114 above the US national median of $103,400. The average hourly rate is $50.73/hr. Approximately 1,609 occupational therapists are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$77,879
2025 BLS Actual
$102,381
2026 Current Est.
$105,514
2019–2027 Growth
+39.6%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in South Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,879 | Actual |
| 2020 | $83,092 | Actual |
| 2021 | $91,505 | Actual |
| 2022 | $88,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $93,975 | Actual |
| 2024 | $96,751 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,381 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,514 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,742 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Carolina metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 31.5% from $77,879 (2019) to $102,381 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,742 by 2027 — a total increase of $30,863 (39.63%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Carolina 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Best Value Cities for Occupational Therapists in South Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for occupational therapists.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg | $114,953 | 91.051 | $126,251 |
| Florence | $104,616 | 86.774 | $120,561 |
| Greer | $108,015 | 91.5 | $118,049 |
| Anderson | $107,906 | 91.5 | $117,930 |
| Mount Pleasant | $106,151 | 91.5 | $116,012 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $73,637 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $105,514 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $122,285 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spartanburg | $114,953 |
| 2 | Greer | $108,015 |
| 3 | Anderson | $107,906 |
| 4 | Mount Pleasant | $106,151 |
| 5 | Columbia | $105,791 |
| 6 | Greenville | $105,472 |
| 7 | Florence | $104,616 |
| 8 | Rock Hill | $104,196 |
| 9 | Hilton Head Island | $103,905 |
| 10 | Myrtle Beach | $103,843 |
| 11 | Aiken | $103,738 |
| 12 | North Charleston | $103,710 |
| 13 | Hanahan | $103,593 |
| 14 | Mauldin | $102,984 |
| 15 | Summerville | $102,430 |
| 16 | Bluffton | $101,930 |
| 17 | Conway | $101,928 |
| 18 | Charleston | $101,545 |
| 19 | Simpsonville | $100,742 |
| 20 | Fort Mill | $100,696 |
| 21 | Goose Creek | $100,459 |
| 22 | Sumter | $99,631 |
| 23 | Lexington | $98,815 |
| 24 | Easley | $97,053 |
| 25 | Tega Cay | $96,518 |
| 26 | Clemson | $96,337 |
More South Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore occupational therapist hourly pay in South Carolina cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced occupational therapists.
Explore More Occupational Therapist Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in South Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for occupational therapists in South Carolina?
How does South Carolina occupational therapist pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level occupational therapist salary in South Carolina?
How many occupational therapists are employed in South Carolina?
Which South Carolina city offers the best value for occupational therapists?
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
Statewide salary 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 each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 occupational therapist compensation across South Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more occupational therapistscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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