Columbia vs North Charleston: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,296 | $106,266▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.18 | $51.09▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,476 | $74,508▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,247 | $91,267▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,476 | $125,042▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,169 | $139,225▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $3,970 (3.88%). North Charleston's median is +0.93% 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,North Charleston spans $64,717. North 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, North Charleston ($116,138 effective) pays 6.34% 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 North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($106,266/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,225)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $116,138)
- ✓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 19.4% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$88,910 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$86,834 (2024) → $103,715 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbia or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Columbia to North Charleston as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Columbia vs North 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