Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Physical Therapist Assistants in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $65,750. This figure is slightly below the national average of $67,190, suggesting localized market dynamics and demand influence compensation. While the nominal pay is close to the national benchmark, understanding the cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $65,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $80,950.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a dedicated workforce of 340 Physical Therapist Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.25, this indicates a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-2.1%below the national average.
$31.6
$1,264
$5,479
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing healthcare demand and compensation adjustments.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, often reflected in the upper percentiles of the salary distribution.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $55,240 | $26.6 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $49,313 | $23.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $62,490 | $30 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $82,188 | $39.5 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $80,950 | $38.9 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$65,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$65,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $65,750 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without significant cost-of-living pressures.
Job Market Context
340
Total Jobs
0.877
Per 1K Jobs
1.25
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.25, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.25 signifies that Physical Therapist Assistants are more concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston than the national average. This suggests a healthy job market with a notable presence of these professionals, indicating consistent demand and opportunities for both new entrants and experienced individuals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $63,820↓ 3% | 63 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $65,970↑ 0% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $65,950↑ 0% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $69,330↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $65,750. This typically ranges from $55,240 for entry-level positions to $80,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 2.1% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, it offers competitive compensation relative to the cost of living.With an average salary of $65,750 and a cost of living index at the national average of 100, the purchasing power is strong. The higher concentration of PTAs (LQ 1.25) also points to a stable job market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($63,820) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $65,750 in Charleston-North Charleston is slightly below the national average of $67,190, a difference of approximately 2.1%.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) of 1.25?
An LQ of 1.25 indicates that Charleston-North Charleston has 25% more Physical Therapist Assistants per worker than the national average, suggesting a strong regional demand and a well-established professional community.
Does experience impact salary for Physical Therapist Assistants in this area?
Yes, like most professions, experience plays a significant role. Senior Physical Therapist Assistants with more years of practice and specialized skills typically earn higher salaries than entry-level practitioners.
How does the cost of living affect the real value of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Charleston-North Charleston?
With a cost of living index of 100, the national average, the $65,750 salary provides a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial choice.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.877 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physical Therapist Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC