Occupational Therapy Assistant Salary in Goose Creek, SC: $73,012 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time occupational therapy assistant in Goose Creek, SC earns a median $73,012/year (≈ $35.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2011). Once you factor in Goose Creek's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $79,795 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek, SC, stands at $73,012. This figure falls slightly below the national median of $74,332, indicating a competitive local market relative to broader trends. The salary range in Goose Creek is robust, spanning from $55,681 at the lower end (P10) to $88,414 at the higher end (P90). These estimates have been adjusted based on BLS state-level data and regional price parities, reflecting the local economic conditions. For occupational therapy assistants considering the COTA-to-MOT bridge, pursuing a master's degree can lead to significant lifetime earning advantages, as higher educational credentials generally correlate with increased pay over the course of one's career.
About the Goose Creek Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,681 | $26.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,630 | $30.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,012 | $35.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,334 | $38.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,414 | $42.50 |
Median Salary Position
1.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Goose Creek
In Goose Creek, SC, the occupational therapy assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,733 (2026 est.). At $73,012, the local median is 1.78% below the national median of $74,332.
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At 40 hours/week in Goose Creek: You'd be above the median
How Goose Creek Occupational Therapy Assistant Pay Compares
Goose Creek median: $73,012/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Goose Creek Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $76,054 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $74,332 | -1.78% less |
Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goose Creek, SC earn a median of $73,012 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.78% lower than the national median of $74,332 and 4.00% below the South Carolina state average of $76,054.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Goose Creek 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.
Goose Creek, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A occupational therapy assistant earning $73,012 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $79,795 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,418
2025 BLS Actual
$71,016
2026 Current Est.
$73,012
2019–2027 Growth
+24.2%
Salary Trajectory for Occupational Therapy Assistants in Goose Creek (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.81% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,418 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,822 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,634 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,233 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,016 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,012 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,063 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Goose Creek metropolitan area, the median occupational therapy assistant salary grew 17.5% from $60,418 (2019) to $71,016 (2025). At a 2.81% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,063 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,645 (24.24%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Goose Creek 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $55,681 – $62,630 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,630 – $73,012 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,012 – $79,334 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,334 – $88,414 |
OTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual occupational therapy assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Occupational Therapy Assistant Job Market in Goose Creek
The job market for occupational therapy assistants in Goose Creek employs around 11 individuals in the field, highlighting a niche yet essential workforce in the community. With a cost of living index of 91.5, professionals in this area enjoy a reasonable purchasing power, making it easier to thrive economically despite relatively lower salaries compared to the national average. Those seeking employment with the highest compensation should target skilled nursing facilities and hospital inpatient rehab, which tend to offer better pay than school districts or outpatient clinics. Factors contributing to salary variance include setting differences, expectations around productivity, and the impact of the 15% Medicare reimbursement cut, which has compressed fees for services in recent years. To maximize earnings in Goose Creek’s market, aspiring occupational therapy assistants should consider seeking roles that offer weekend or PRN premium pay, or negotiating for year-round contracts rather than school-year positions.
More salary data for Goose Creek, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do occupational therapy assistants make in Goose Creek, SC in 2026?
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Can occupational therapy assistants make $100K in Goose Creek?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted occupational therapy assistant salary in Goose Creek?
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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
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 $71,016 for occupational therapy assistantsin the Goose Creek metropolitan area. A 2.81% 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 Goose Creek 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