Charleston vs Columbia: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,200▲ | $119,686 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.04▲ | $57.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,373 | $95,034▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $113,611▲ | $110,966 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,862▲ | $135,804 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,514▲ | $160,766 |
| Total Employed | 620▲ | 400 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Charleston and Columbia is $13,514 (11.29%). Charleston's median is -5.12% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $83,141,Columbia spans $65,732. Charleston 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, Charleston ($131,931 effective) pays 3.24% more than Columbia ($127,785 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($133,200/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,514)
- ✓Larger job market (620 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,931)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Charleston grew 33.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$96,910 (2019) → $128,920 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$102,850 (2019) → $115,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Charleston or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Columbia as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Charleston vs Columbia?
Written by Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C
Career Analyst
Jessica has 10 years of experience as a physician assistant. Her specialty is cardiology in an outpatient setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.32% 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 Jessica Tran, MPAS, PA-C, a licensed physician assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov