Columbia vs Myrtle Beach: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbia, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,296 | $105,001▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.18 | $50.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,476▲ | $62,429 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,247 | $83,167▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,476 | $113,802▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,169 | $125,903▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Myrtle Beach, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Myrtle Beach is $2,705 (2.64%). Myrtle Beach's median is -0.27% 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,Myrtle Beach spans $63,474. Myrtle Beach 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, Myrtle Beach ($112,130 effective) pays 2.67% more than Columbia ($109,218 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,001/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,903)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,130)
- ✓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 11.5% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$88,910 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$91,940 (2019) → $102,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbia or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Myrtle Beach as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbia vs Myrtle Beach?
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