Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Charleston, SC is $65,420 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$65,420
vs State Avg
+$7,196
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $65,420, which is $7,196 above the South Carolina state average of $58,224. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for occupational therapy assistants in Charleston spans from $42,000 at the 10th percentile to $92,000 at the 90th percentile — a $50,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $44,000, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $88,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $44,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $88,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$44,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$66,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$88,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $42,000
25th Percentile $52,000
Median (50th) $65,420
75th Percentile $80,000
90th Percentile $92,000

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Charleston

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Therapeutic ExercisesPatient CareDocumentationCommunicationAdaptabilityCompassion

Job Outlook

Nationally, occupational therapy assistant employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Occupational Therapy Assistant Jobs in Charleston

Browse open occupational therapy assistant positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Charleston

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $65,420 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $42,000 (10th percentile) to $92,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $65,420, a occupational therapy assistant in Charleston earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼
Charleston's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $65,420 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $58,224. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $65,420 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a occupational therapy assistant in Charleston? ▼
Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Charleston require a associate's degree. Key skills include Therapeutic Exercises, Patient Care, Documentation, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 25% nationally over the next decade.