Charleston vs Columbia: Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapy assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,899▲ | $76,419 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.45▲ | $36.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,175▲ | $31,892 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,143▲ | $54,345 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,235▲ | $81,261 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,148▲ | $88,355 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for occupational therapy assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Charleston and Columbia is $1,480 (1.94%). Charleston's median is +4.80% compared to the US national median of $74,332.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $35,973,Columbia spans $56,463. Columbia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapy assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($81,590 effective) pays 5.75% more than Charleston ($77,157 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,899/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,148)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,590)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapy assistant salaries in Charleston grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.5% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$57,470 (2019) → $75,770 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$62,180 (2020) → $74,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapy assistants more: Charleston or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Columbia as a occupational therapy assistant?
What do entry-level occupational therapy assistants earn in Charleston vs Columbia?
Written by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as an occupational therapist. Their specialty is working with children with developmental disorders. They have worked in various healthcare settings including schools and rehabilitation facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.81% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MS, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapy assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov