Average Physical Therapist Assistants Salary in Columbia, SC
Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC, can expect an average annual salary of $66,180. This figure is remarkably close to the national average of $67,190, indicating a competitive compensation landscape within the region. Factors such as the local demand for healthcare services and the overall economic environment in South Carolina contribute to this pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $66,180 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $82,530.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of approximately 300 Physical Therapist Assistants, Columbia, SC, presents a stable employment environment for this profession. The Location Quotient of 1.09 suggests a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, hinting at consistent demand and a healthy job market for skilled professionals in this field.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC earns-1.5%below the national average.
$31.8
$1,273
$5,515
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapist Assistants have seen steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This consistent upward trajectory is driven by increasing healthcare needs and the expanding role of therapy professionals in patient recovery and wellness.
Physical Therapist Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC, typically involves salary increases tied to experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to healthcare facilities.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $51,840 | $24.9 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $49,635 | $23.9 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $65,440 | $31.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $82,725 | $39.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $82,530 | $39.7 |
Detailed Physical Therapist Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$66,180
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,180
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average salary of $66,180 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing for residents.
Job Market Context
300
Total Jobs
0.766
Per 1K Jobs
1.09
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.09, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.09 indicates that Columbia, SC, has a slightly higher concentration of Physical Therapist Assistants than the national average. This suggests a robust and potentially competitive job market where demand is at least on par with, if not slightly exceeding, the national average, offering good opportunities for employment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapist Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $69,330↑ 5% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $71,710↑ 8% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,490↑ 3% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Physical Therapist Assistants Salary | $68,840↑ 4% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Physical Therapist Assistantss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapist Assistants make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC is $66,180. This typically ranges from $51,840 for entry-level positions to $82,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 1.5% lower than the national median of $67,190.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Physical Therapist Assistants?
Yes, Columbia, SC offers a competitive salary for Physical Therapist Assistants.The average salary of $66,180 is very close to the national average, and the slightly higher concentration of jobs (LQ 1.09) suggests a healthy demand for the role.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Physical Therapist Assistants?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($69,330) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does experience affect a Physical Therapist Assistant's salary in Columbia, SC?
Experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level Physical Therapist Assistants typically earn less, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles.
What is the job outlook for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC?
The job outlook appears stable, with a local workforce of 300 and a Location Quotient slightly above the national average, indicating consistent demand for these professionals.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?
Columbia, SC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary will have the same purchasing power as it would on average across the United States.
Are there many job opportunities for Physical Therapist Assistants in Columbia, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.09, there is a slightly higher concentration of Physical Therapist Assistant jobs in Columbia, SC, compared to the national average, suggesting a favorable job market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 300 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.766 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 Columbia, SC