Occupational Therapy Aide salary in South Carolina
Occupational Therapy Aides in South Carolina earn a median of $31,950 a year ($15.36 an hour), based on BLS data for 50 workers.
Pay ranges from $18,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,800 for the top 10%. That is 18% lower than the national median of $39,160. South Carolina ranks 24th of 27 states for occupational therapy aides pay. There are 0.02 occupational therapy aides per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $36,130, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for occupational therapy aides in South Carolina
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $18,290 | $8.79 |
| 25th percentile | $29,770 | $14.31 |
| Median | $31,950 | $15.36 |
| 75th percentile | $33,770 | $16.24 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $82,800 | $39.81 |
| Average (mean) | $36,130 | $17.37 |
Half of occupational therapy aides earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $2,662.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,331.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,228.85 |
| Weekly | $614.42 |
| Hourly | $15.36 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Highest-paying states for occupational therapy aides
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| North Carolina | $66,190 |
| New York | $46,220 |
| Washington | $45,890 |
| Nebraska | $44,980 |
| Connecticut | $44,840 |
| New Jersey | $44,470 |
| California | $43,480 |
| New Mexico | $43,170 |
| Massachusetts | $40,160 |
| Colorado | $40,110 |
Related jobs in South Carolina
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $70,500 | $33.90 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $73,740 | $35.45 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $33,280 | $16.00 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $30,110 | $14.48 |
| Nursing Assistant | $37,220 | $17.90 |
| Medical Assistant | $41,160 | $19.79 |
| Dental Assistant | $47,320 | $22.75 |
| Phlebotomist | $39,010 | $18.76 |
| Massage Therapist | $58,000 | $27.88 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $36,980 | $17.78 |
| Orderly | $36,480 | $17.54 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $42,510 | $20.44 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $49,730 | $23.91 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $33,870 | $16.29 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in South Carolina
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-2012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a occupational therapy aide make in South Carolina?
The median salary for occupational therapy aides in South Carolina is $31,950 a year, or $15.36 an hour. Pay ranges from $18,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $82,800 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid occupational therapy aides make in South Carolina?
The top 10% of occupational therapy aides in South Carolina earn at least $82,800 a year. The top 25% earn $33,770 or more.
What is the starting pay for occupational therapy aides in South Carolina?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $18,290 a year, and a quarter of occupational therapy aides earn $29,770 or less.
How many occupational therapy aides work in South Carolina?
About 50 occupational therapy aides are employed in South Carolina, not counting the self-employed.