Average Occupational Therapists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, earn an average annual salary of $92,620. This figure is slightly below the national average of $99,240, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary provides a solid income base within the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $92,620 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,730.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston job market for Occupational Therapists is moderately sized, with a total local workforce of 350 professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.9 indicates that the concentration of OTs in this area is very close to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other regions. With 0.894 jobs per 1,000 workers, the market appears to offer consistent opportunities for skilled therapists.
Salary Overview
The average Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-6.7%below the national average.
$44.5
$1,781
$7,718
Occupational Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Occupational Therapists have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in therapeutic practices typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for these vital professionals.
Occupational Therapists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the 75th or 90th percentile. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $62,470 | $30 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $69,465 | $33.4 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $95,900 | $46.1 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $115,775 | $55.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $119,730 | $57.6 |
Detailed Occupational Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$92,620
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$92,620
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $92,620 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which represents the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an OT's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
0.894
Per 1K Jobs
0.9
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.90x the national average concentration of Occupational Therapists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.9, the Charleston-North Charleston area exhibits a job market for Occupational Therapists that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a competitive yet accessible market, where opportunities exist without being overly saturated. The presence of a substantial workforce indicates a well-established demand for OT services within the community.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Occupational Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Occupational Therapists Salary | $92,110↓ 1% | 63 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,900↓ 5% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Occupational Therapists Salary | $90,580↓ 2% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Occupational Therapists Salary | $87,970↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Occupational Therapists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $92,620. This typically ranges from $62,470 for entry-level positions to $119,730 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 6.7% lower than the national median of $99,240.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Occupational Therapists?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary relative to its cost of living.The average salary of $92,620 is strong, especially considering the local Cost of Living Index is exactly at the national average of 100.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Occupational Therapists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($92,110) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston OT salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $92,620, which is slightly lower than the national average of $99,240.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC for OTs?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100, which is precisely the national average, indicating that expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the OT job market in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The job market concentration for Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating it is very close to the national average concentration.
What is the total number of Occupational Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 350 Occupational Therapists employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.894 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Occupational Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC