Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay in Clemson, SC: $33.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a occupational therapy assistant working in Clemson, SC runs $33.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,016 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Weighted against Clemson's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,008 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the occupational therapy assistant hourly pay in Clemson, South Carolina, is projected to be $33.66. This is slightly below the national hourly median of $35.74, indicating a competitive but somewhat lower market for COTAs in this region. For part-time workers, such as those operating three days a week, this rate translates into a solid paycheck while allowing for flexibility to seek other interests or additional work. Part-time occupational therapy assistants often find themselves working in various settings, including skilled nursing facilities, hospital rehab units, and outpatient clinics. The hourly pay range for these professionals typically stretches from $25.75 for entry-level positions to around $40.00 for those with significant experience and expertise, emphasizing a strong growth potential in this rewarding field.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.75 | $206.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.66 | $237.29 |
| Median (P50) | $33.66 | $269.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.31 | $290.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.00 | $320.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clemson
Based on $33.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.66/hr, a occupational therapy assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clemson, SC can expect to earn approximately $70,013 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,392. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clemson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clemson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,346.40 | $5,834 | $70,013 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $807.84 | $3,501 | $42,008 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $538.56 | $2,334 | $28,005 |
Compare OTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (Clemson) | $33.66 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Recreational Therapist (National Avg) | $27.50 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clemson, SC earn a median of $70,016 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.81% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $76,021.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.66/hr = $42,008/year (purchasing power: $45,910).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,013/year (purchasing power: $76,517).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clemson grew 17.5% from $27.85/hr (2019) to $32.74/hr (2025). At a 2.81% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.61/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem occupational therapy assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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 2.81% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Occupational Therapy Assistant in Clemson
Exploring part-time opportunities presents varying take-home pay compared to full-time employment. A COTA working full time may typically earn significantly more annually, while a 24-hour workweek in Clemson offers a stable income for those choosing flexibility. Per diem occupational therapy assistant pay in Clemson fluctuates, with many billing between $30 and $45 an hour. Travel contracts may provide even higher rates, reaching $1,100 to $1,700 weekly, though many skilled nursing facilities have seen a reduction in pay since the 15% Medicare cut in 2022. Hourly rates can differ widely across employer types in Clemson, from the stability of school districts to the sometimes fluctuating pay in home health agencies. It's vital for COTAs to weigh the benefits of consistent work and insurance against potentially higher pay in less stable positions without benefits. Negotiation is crucial; professionals may find success by highlighting their skills and flexibility, aligning them with the needs of local employers.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for occupational therapy assistants in Clemson in 2026?
How much do part-time occupational therapy assistants make in Clemson?
Are occupational therapy assistants in Clemson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time occupational therapy assistant make per year in Clemson?
Do occupational therapy assistants earn more per hour working part-time in Clemson?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Carolina
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.81% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for occupational therapy assistants in Clemson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clemson 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 2.81%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for occupational therapy assistants (SOC 31-2011).
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