Average Physician Assistants Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Physician Assistants in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $123,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $136,910, suggesting that while demand is present, local market dynamics and potentially other factors influence compensation levels. The specific economic landscape and healthcare needs of the Charleston-North Charleston region play a significant role in shaping these salary benchmarks.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $123,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 46.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $147,160.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of approximately 550 Physician Assistants. With a Location Quotient of 1.4, the concentration of these professionals is notably higher than the national average, indicating a strong and established presence in the local job market. This suggests a healthy demand and a stable environment for Physician Assistant roles within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-9.5%below the national average.
$59.5
$2,382
$10,321
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Physician Assistants across the nation, and likely within the Charleston-North Charleston area, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing demand for healthcare services, evolving scope of practice, and the need to attract and retain skilled medical professionals.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Career progression for Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level PAs can expect to earn at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with several years of experience and specialized skills will command higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career advancement and earning potential available.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $96,230 | $46.3 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $92,888 | $44.7 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $126,880 | $61 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $154,813 | $74.4 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $147,160 | $70.8 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$123,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$123,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $123,850 for Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a PA's salary in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment for residents without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
550
Total Jobs
1.412
Per 1K Jobs
1.4
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.40, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physician Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.4 for Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, signifies a market concentration that is 40% higher than the national average. This indicates a more abundant job market for these professionals compared to other regions, suggesting that employers may have a wider pool of candidates to choose from, potentially influencing hiring dynamics and salary negotiations.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $116,770↓ 6% | 63 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $117,130↓ 5% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Physician Assistants Salary | $120,980↓ 2% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $115,510↓ 7% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $123,850. This typically ranges from $96,230 for entry-level positions to $147,160 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 9.5% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary with a cost of living that matches the national average.Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston earn $123,850 annually, which, when combined with a cost of living index of 100, provides strong purchasing power. The higher-than-average concentration of PAs also suggests a robust job market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Physician 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 ($116,770) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston PA salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $123,850, which is approximately 9.5% lower than the national average of $136,910.
What is the job market like for Physician Assistants in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The job market is robust, with a concentration of Physician Assistants 40% higher than the national average (Location Quotient of 1.4) and 1.412 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating strong local demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a Physician Assistant's salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
No, the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $123,850 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many Physician Assistants work in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 550 Physician Assistants employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 550 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.412 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Physician Assistants • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC