Occupational Therapist Salary in North Charleston, SC: $103,710 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapist in North Charleston, SC earns a median $103,710/year (≈ $49.86/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1122). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $113,344 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Occupational therapists in North Charleston, SC, can expect a median annual salary of $103,710 in 2026, reflecting a modest increase compared to previous years. The salary range for this profession varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $69,041 and the highest reaching up to $135,883. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, also highlight the employment fluctuations impacted by shifts such as the Medicare cuts affecting skilled nursing facilities and outpatient therapy. Given the ongoing adjustments in healthcare funding, the job market in North Charleston will likely see adjustments that correlate with those broader trends.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($86,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $69,041 | $33.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $87,422 | $42.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $103,710 | $49.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,338 | $57.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $135,883 | $65.33 |
Median Salary Position
0.30% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the occupational therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,842 (2026 est.). At $103,710, the local median is 0.3% above the national median of $103,400.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be above the median
How North Charleston Occupational Therapist Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $103,710/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $104,652 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $103,400 | +0.30% more |
Occupational Therapists in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $103,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.30% higher than the national median of $103,400 and 0.90% below the South Carolina state average of $104,652.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston 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.
North Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapist earning $103,710 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $113,344 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,205
2025 BLS Actual
$100,631
2026 Current Est.
$103,710
2019–2027 Growth
+25.4%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapists in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.06% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,205 | Actual |
| 2020 | $86,539 | Actual |
| 2021 | $85,827 | Actual |
| 2022 | $93,460 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,659 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,171 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $103,710 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $106,884 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median occupational therapist salary grew 18.1% from $85,205 (2019) to $100,631 (2025). At a 3.06% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $106,884 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,679 (25.44%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $69,041 – $87,422 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $87,422 – $103,710 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $103,710 – $120,338 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,338 – $135,883 |
OT, OTR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapist Job Market in North Charleston
As of now, there are 22 occupational therapists employed in the North Charleston area, which indicates a steady demand in the local job market. The cost of living index sits at 91.5, slightly below the national average, suggesting that salaries may stretch further in terms of purchasing power. Occupational therapist pay in North Charleston, SC, tends to be highest in skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehabilitation settings, while school districts and outpatient clinics may offer less competitive compensation. Factors driving the salary disparity include the differences in work environments, the existence of certifications such as the CHT, and the impact of Medicare policy on funding for services. To maximize earning potential in this market, therapists should consider pursuing specialized board certifications, seeking opportunities in higher-paying settings, and exploring contract work that aligns with their skills and availability.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapists make in North Charleston, SC in 2026?
Is North Charleston, SC a good place to work as a occupational therapist?
Can occupational therapists make $100K in North Charleston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapist salary in North Charleston?
How much does a occupational therapist make per hour in North Charleston?
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 $100,631 for occupational therapistsin the North Charleston 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 North Charleston 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