Charleston vs Mount Pleasant: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Charleston, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,048 | $105,299▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.02 | $50.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,845 | $79,309▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $85,277 | $85,474▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,938 | $123,218▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $129,899 | $135,741▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Mount Pleasant, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Mount Pleasant is $1,251 (1.20%). Mount Pleasant's median is +0.01% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $53,054,Mount Pleasant spans $56,432. Mount Pleasant 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, Mount Pleasant ($115,081 effective) pays 11.67% 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 Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,299/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,741)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $115,081)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Charleston grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$84,690 (2019) → $101,550 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$85,415 (2024) → $102,771 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Charleston or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Mount Pleasant as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Charleston vs Mount Pleasant?
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