Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia, SC: $58,878 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878, which is $654 above the South Carolina state average of $58,224. Compared to the national median of $65,420, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% 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 Columbia spans from $37,800 at the 10th percentile to $82,800 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $39,600, while senior occupational therapy assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level occupational therapy assistant earns around $39,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$39,600

$-4,400 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$59,400

$-6,600 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$79,200

$-8,800 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$37,800	$37,380	$42,000
25th Percentile	$46,800	$46,280	$52,000
Median (50th)	$58,878	$58,224	$65,420
75th Percentile	$72,000	$71,200	$80,000
90th Percentile	$82,800	$81,880	$92,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$37,800

25th Percentile

$46,800

Median (50th)

$58,878

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$82,800

How to Become a Occupational Therapy Assistant in Columbia

Education

Most occupational therapy assistant positions require a associate's degree. Columbia 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 Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make in Columbia, SC? ▼

The median occupational therapy assistant salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $58,878 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $65,420. Salaries range from $37,800 (10th percentile) to $82,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Occupational Therapy Assistant make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $58,878, a occupational therapy assistant in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for occupational therapy assistant pay? ▼

Columbia's median occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $58,224. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a occupational therapy assistant salary of $58,878 in Columbia 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 Columbia? ▼

Most occupational therapy assistant positions in Columbia 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.

Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Columbia, South Carolina