Columbia vs Lexington: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbia, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,296▲ | $98,022 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.18▲ | $47.12 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,476 | $74,871▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,247 | $81,844▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,476▲ | $110,926 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,169▲ | $118,676 |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Columbia and Lexington is $4,274 (4.36%). Columbia's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $54,693,Lexington spans $43,805. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($109,218 effective) pays 1.95% more than Lexington ($107,128 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($102,296/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,169)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,218)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Columbia grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$88,910 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$79,512 (2024) → $95,669 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbia or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Lexington as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbia vs Lexington?
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