Average Physical Therapists Salary in Columbia, SC
Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $93,640. This figure is notably below the national average of $102,240, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $93,640 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $116,110.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 620 Physical Therapists, Columbia, SC, presents a stable employment landscape for the profession. The location quotient of 1.0 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is on par with the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC earns-8.4%below the national average.
$45
$1,801
$7,803
Physical Therapists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is likely driven by increasing healthcare needs and a greater emphasis on rehabilitation services.
Physical Therapists Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $66,860 | $32.1 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $70,230 | $33.8 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $100,690 | $48.4 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $117,050 | $56.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $116,110 | $55.8 |
Detailed Physical Therapists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,640
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,640
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $93,640 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Physical Therapist's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
620
Total Jobs
1.616
Per 1K Jobs
1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.00, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physical Therapists roles compared to the national norm.
A location quotient of 1.0 for Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, signifies that the employment concentration of this profession is precisely at the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market, where opportunities are neither exceptionally scarce nor overly abundant compared to other regions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physical Therapists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $97,450↑ 4% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $96,550↑ 3% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physical Therapists Salary | $96,880↑ 3% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $96,200↑ 3% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Physical Therapists Salary | $95,900↑ 2% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Physical Therapistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physical Therapists make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC is $93,640. This typically ranges from $66,860 for entry-level positions to $116,110 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 8.4% lower than the national median of $102,240.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Physical Therapists?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $93,640 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $102,240. However, the cost of living being at the national average means the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Physical Therapists?
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 ($97,450) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Columbia, SC compare to the national average for Physical Therapist salaries?
Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, earn an average of $93,640 annually, which is approximately $8,600 less than the national average of $102,240.
What is the concentration of Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC?
The location quotient for Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC, is 1.0, indicating that the concentration of these professionals in the area is exactly the same as the national average.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Columbia, SC, is at the national average. This means the $93,640 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it neither exceptionally high nor low in real terms.
What does the job market look like for Physical Therapists in Columbia, SC?
The job market is stable, with 620 Physical Therapists employed locally and a concentration at the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply for these services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 620 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.616 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 Columbia, SC