Occupational Therapist Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC: $103,843 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in Myrtle Beach, SC earns a median $103,843/year (≈ $49.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in Myrtle Beach's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $110,894 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
Occupational therapists in Myrtle Beach, SC, can expect a median annual salary of $103,843 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $103,400. The salary range reflects a diverse employment landscape, with positions typically paying between $66,865 at the lower end and reaching up to $118,230 for those in higher-paying roles. This data is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, and it highlights the options available to OTs in a city known for its recreational opportunities and year-round climate. The choice between working in skilled nursing facilities, educational settings, or outpatient rehabilitation clinics greatly influences compensation, as each setting offers different schedules and demands.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,865 | $32.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $82,159 | $39.50 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,843 | $49.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107,265 | $51.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118,230 | $56.84 |
Median Salary Position
0.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Myrtle Beach
In Myrtle Beach, SC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,365 (2026 est.). At $103,843, the local median is 0.43% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Myrtle Beach: You'd be above the median
How Myrtle Beach Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
Myrtle Beach median: $103,843/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Myrtle Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $104,575 | -0.70% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.43% more |
Occupational Therapists in Myrtle Beach, SC earn a median of $103,843 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.43% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.70% below the South Carolina state average of $104,575.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Myrtle Beach has a cost of living 6.36% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Myrtle Beach, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.642 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,843 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $110,894 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.79% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$92,040
2025 BLS Actual
$100,760
2026 Current Est.
$103,843
2019–2027 Growth
+16.3%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in Myrtle Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $92,040 | Actual |
| 2020 | $91,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,970 | Actual |
| 2022 | $78,300 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,900 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,170 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,760 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,843 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,021 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Myrtle Beach metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 9.5% from $92,040 (2019) to $100,760 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,021 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,981 (16.28%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Myrtle Beach 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) | $66,865 – $82,159 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $82,159 – $103,843 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,843 – $107,265 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $107,265 – $118,230 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in Myrtle Beach
With around 100 occupational therapists employed in the Myrtle Beach area, the job market shows promise, particularly given the relatively low cost of living index of 93.642. This affordability can enhance take-home purchasing power, allowing OTs to thrive in this picturesque location. Among the highest-paying employers are skilled nursing facilities, which often offer better pay than schools, though considerations like the school year versus year-round contracts can affect overall earnings. Factors contributing to the salary range include certifications such as Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), which can command a premium, alongside productivity expectations specific to each work environment. To maximize pay, it is advisable for OTs in Myrtle Beach to pursue specialized certifications, explore diverse employment options, and stay updated on Medicare guidelines, which can impact reimbursement rates in outpatient and skilled nursing settings.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in Myrtle Beach, SC in 2026?
Is Myrtle Beach, SC a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in Myrtle Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in Myrtle Beach?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in Myrtle Beach?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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 $100,760 for occupational therapistsin the Myrtle Beach 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
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