Columbia vs Greenville: Physician Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physician assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $119,686 | $127,404▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $57.54 | $61.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $95,034▲ | $53,571 |
| 25th Percentile | $110,966▲ | $99,229 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,804▲ | $135,194 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,766 | $170,468▲ |
| Total Employed | 400 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for physician assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greenville is $7,718 (6.45%). Greenville's median is -9.25% compared to the US national median of $140,391.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $65,732,Greenville spans $116,897. Greenville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physician assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($136,612 effective) pays 6.91% 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 Columbia if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($127,404/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($170,468)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,612)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physician assistant salaries in Columbia grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$102,850 (2019) → $115,840 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$97,040 (2019) → $123,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physician assistants more: Columbia or Greenville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Greenville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Greenville as a physician assistant?
What do entry-level physician assistants earn in Columbia vs Greenville?
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