Occupational Therapist Salary in Aiken, SC: $103,738 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Aiken, SC earns a median $103,738/year (≈ $49.87/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $113,375 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in Aiken, South Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $103,738 in 2026. With a salary range extending from $76,343 at the 10th percentile to $133,121 at the 90th percentile, these professionals are well-compensated compared to the national median, which stands at $103,400. Estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost of living, illustrate that Aiken's occupational therapist pay reflects the area's structural choices. Whether working within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), hospitals, or schools significantly influences earnings, with hospital positions generally yielding the highest salaries.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,343 | $36.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $85,778 | $41.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,738 | $49.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,737 | $57.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,121 | $64.00 |
Median Salary Position
0.33% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,778 (2026 est.). At $103,738, the local median is 0.33% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aiken Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Aiken median: $103,738/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $104,575 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.33% more |
Occupational Therapists in Aiken, SC earn a median of $103,738 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $104,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,738 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,375 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,228
2025 BLS Actual
$100,658
2026 Current Est.
$103,738
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,228 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,562 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,850 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,485 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,685 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,658 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,738 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,913 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,228 (2019) to $100,658 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,685 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $76,343 – $85,778 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $85,778 – $103,738 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,738 – $119,737 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,737 – $133,121 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Aiken
In Aiken, the local job market for occupational therapists remains relatively modest, with only four professionals currently employed in the field. The cost of living index at 91.5 indicates that Aiken offers an affordable environment, enhancing the purchasing power of those entering the workforce. Among local employers, hospital inpatient rehabilitation typically provides the most competitive compensation, followed closely by outpatient clinics requiring specialized certifications like the Certified Hand Therapist (CHT) credential. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to factors such as productivity expectations and differences in work environments, with hospitals often offering year-round positions versus schools' academic-year contracts. To maximize pay in this market, therapists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, seeking positions in high-demand settings, and negotiating contracts effectively.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Aiken, SC in 2026?
Is Aiken, SC a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Aiken?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Aiken?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Aiken?
Related Pages
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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
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. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,658 for occupational therapistsin the Aiken metropolitan area. A 3.06% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Aiken 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