Physician Assistant Salary in Charleston, SC: $133,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physician assistant in Charleston, SC earns a median $133,200/year (≈ $64.04/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1071). Once you factor in Charleston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $131,931 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the forecasted median annual physician assistant salary in Charleston, South Carolina, is projected at $133,200, which is slightly below the national median of $140,391. Salary distribution indicates a notable variation, with lower earners making around $80,373 and top-tier professionals earning up to $163,514. These figures are determined based on data from 2025 BLS OEWS, which sheds light on the earning potential within various practice specializations. The surgical specialties, particularly orthopedics and cardiothoracic procedures, consistently command higher compensation compared to primary care. Charleston's healthcare market presents unique opportunities for PAs, where those engaged in surgical settings typically achieve the highest earnings.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,373 | $38.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $113,611 | $54.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,200 | $64.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $138,862 | $66.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,514 | $78.62 |
Median Salary Position
5.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Charleston
In Charleston, SC, the physician assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,141 (2026 est.). At $133,200, the local median is 5.12% below the national median of $140,391.
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At 40 hours/week in Charleston: You'd be above the median
How Charleston Physician Assistant Pay Compares
Charleston median: $133,200/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $127,464 | +4.50% more |
| National Average | $140,391 | -5.12% less |
Physician Assistants in Charleston, SC earn a median of $133,200 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.12% lower than the national median of $140,391 and 4.50% above the South Carolina state average of $127,464.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Charleston has a cost of living 0.96% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Charleston, SC has a cost-of-living index of 100.962 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,200 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $131,931 — a 0.95% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,910
2025 BLS Actual
$128,920
2026 Current Est.
$133,200
2019–2027 Growth
+42.0%
Salary Trajectory for Physician Assistants in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.32% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,910 | Actual |
| 2020 | $93,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $99,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,890 | Actual |
| 2023 | $117,340 | Actual |
| 2024 | $126,880 | Actual |
| 2025 | $128,920 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $137,622 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Charleston metropolitan area, the median physician assistant salary grew 33.0% from $96,910 (2019) to $128,920 (2025). At a 3.32% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $137,622 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,712 (42.01%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the 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 3.32% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $80,373 – $113,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $113,611 – $133,200 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,200 – $138,862 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $138,862 – $163,514 |
PA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physician assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physician Assistant Job Market in Charleston
Understanding the local job market, Charleston currently employs approximately 620 physician assistants, contributing to a robust healthcare system. The cost of living index of 100.962 reflects a slightly higher than average expense environment, impacting take-home pay for professionals in the area. Notably, hospital systems and surgical specialty practices are among the highest-paying employers, while emergency departments and urgent care chains also provide competitive compensation. The disparity in salaries often arises from the complexity and volume of cases in surgical practices, as well as the distinctions in employment structures between hospital-based roles and private practice arrangements. PAs seeking to maximize their earning potential should consider pursuing specialty training in high-demand areas, such as surgical first assistance, and explore opportunities in higher-paying facilities. Additionally, negotiating contracts and understanding RVU productivity bonuses can further enhance compensation in the Charleston SC healthcare landscape.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $128,920 for physician assistantsin the Charleston metropolitan area. A 3.32% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.32%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physician assistants (SOC 29-1071).
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