Aiken vs Charleston: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,906 | $104,048▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.48 | $50.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,564▲ | $76,845 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,768▲ | $85,277 |
| 75th Percentile | $120,417 | $121,938▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,046▲ | $129,899 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $1,142 (1.11%). Charleston's median is -1.18% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $52,482,Charleston spans $53,054. Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($112,466 effective) pays 9.13% more than Charleston ($103,057 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,046)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,466)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,048/year)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Aiken grew 20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 19.9% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$83,474 (2024) → $100,435 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$84,690 (2019) → $101,550 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Aiken or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Aiken and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Aiken to Charleston as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Aiken vs Charleston?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov