Physical Therapist Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $51.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist working in North Charleston, SC runs $51.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $106,266 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $63,756 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, physical therapist hourly pay in North Charleston, SC, is projected to reach a median rate of $51.09, slightly above the national median of $50.62. This competitive hourly wage provides ample opportunity for both part-time and per-diem positions, attracting therapists who seek flexible schedules across various settings, such as outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and home health visits. The hourly range for physical therapists in the area spans from $35.82 at the entry-level to $66.94 for top earners, indicating a robust potential for career growth and earnings as one gains experience and specialization. These figures are based on estimated annual salary data and reflect the opportunities available to practitioners in the ever-evolving landscape of outpatient care and rehabilitation.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Physical Therapist Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.82 | $286.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.88 | $351.07 |
| Median (P50) | $51.09 | $408.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60.11 | $480.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.94 | $535.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $51.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $51.09/hr, a physical therapist working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $106,260 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $61,304. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,043.46 | $8,855 | $106,260 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,226.08 | $5,313 | $63,756 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $817.38 | $3,542 | $42,504 |
Compare PT Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist (North Charleston) | $51.09 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant (National Avg) | $31.26 |
| Occupational Therapist (National Avg) | $47.00 |
| Chiropractor (National Avg) | $36.85 |
| Exercise Physiologist (National Avg) | $26.75 |
Physical Therapists in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $106,266 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.93% higher than the national median of $105,288 and 2.40% above the South Carolina state average of $103,776.
Physical Therapist Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $51.09/hr = $63,756/year (purchasing power: $69,679).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $106,260/year (purchasing power: $116,131).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$43.40/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$49.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$51.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapists in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43.40/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $41.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $49.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52.34/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapists in North Charleston grew 14.9% from $43.40/hr (2019) to $49.86/hr (2025). At a 2.46% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $52.34/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapists can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.46% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist in North Charleston
For those considering part-time work, earning potential for a physical therapist working three days a week can yield approximately $61,569 annually, which certainly stands in contrast to full-time earnings. Per diem physical therapists in North Charleston often command rates between $50 and $75 per hour, with travel PT contracts providing even higher weekly compensation of $1,800 to $2,800, including stipends. Pay can vary notably across employer types; for instance, outpatient orthopedic clinics may offer lower initial rates compared to hospital systems, influenced by productivity expectations and reimbursement models. Many therapists weigh the trade-off between accepting a lower hourly rate for the benefits of health insurance or opting for a higher hourly pay without such benefits. Effective negotiation skills can often tip the scales in favor of job satisfaction, especially in a competitive market like North Charleston, where flexibility and work-life balance are increasingly important.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapists in North Charleston in 2026?
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Related Pages
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.46% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapists in North Charleston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Charleston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov