Average Physical Therapists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Physical Therapists in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $97,910. This figure is slightly below the national average of $102,240, suggesting that while demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially other factors influence compensation. The specific economic landscape and healthcare needs of the Charleston-North Charleston region play a crucial role in shaping these salary outcomes.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $97,910 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 25.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $119,560.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston region supports a robust workforce of approximately 750 Physical Therapists. With a Location Quotient of 1.2, this indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 20% higher than the national average. This elevated quotient suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for physical therapy services within the area, signaling a healthy job market for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-4.2%below the national average.
$47.1
$1,883
$8,159
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston have seen consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, an aging population, and advancements in physical therapy techniques likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, reflecting a positive trajectory for the profession in this locale.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level practitioners may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The gap between the 25th percentile (entry-level) and the 75th or 90th percentile (senior/specialized) clearly signifies career advancement opportunities and the financial rewards associated with expertise and tenure.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $73,690 | $35.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $73,433 | $35.3 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $101,020 | $48.6 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $122,388 | $58.8 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $119,560 | $57.5 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$97,910
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$97,910
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $97,910 for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, providing a stable financial foundation for professionals relocating to or residing in the area.
Job Market Context
750
Total Jobs
1.929
Per 1K Jobs
1.2
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.20, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.2 for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston signifies a market where these professionals are more concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive environment, but also indicates a strong presence and potentially higher demand relative to the general workforce, making it an attractive market for both employers seeking talent and therapists seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $94,270↓ 4% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $96,200↓ 2% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $89,980↓ 8% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Physical Therapists Salary | $99,690↑ 2% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $97,450↓ 0% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $97,910. This typically ranges from $73,690 for entry-level positions to $119,560 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 4.2% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
Yes, with a caveat.The average salary of $97,910 is competitive, especially given the national average cost of living. However, it is slightly below the national average salary for the profession, indicating a balanced market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
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 ($94,270) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston earn an average of $97,910 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $102,240.
What is the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is at the national average, with an index of 100.
Is there high demand for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.2, there is a higher concentration of Physical Therapists than the national average, suggesting robust demand and a healthy job market.
How many Physical Therapists work in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The total local workforce for Physical Therapists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is approximately 750 individuals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 750 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.929 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 Therapists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC