Average Physician Assistants Salary in Columbia, SC
Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $113,630. This figure is notably below the national average of $136,910, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand or different compensation structure influence pay in the South Carolina capital. The specific economic landscape and healthcare needs of Columbia contribute to this salary differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,610.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 410 Physician Assistants, Columbia, SC, presents a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 1.05 indicates a concentration of these professionals that is slightly above the national average, suggesting a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand for their services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC earns-17.0%below the national average.
$54.6
$2,185
$9,469
Physician Assistants Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general trend of salary growth for Physician Assistants over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Factors such as increasing healthcare needs, evolving scope of practice, and inflation likely contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for PAs in the region.
Physician Assistants Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC, typically correlates with experience. Entry-level PAs may find themselves at the lower end of the pay scale, while those with extensive experience and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the value placed on accumulated expertise and responsibility.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $47,940 | $23 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $85,223 | $41 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $119,620 | $57.5 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $142,038 | $68.3 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $136,610 | $65.7 |
Detailed Physician Assistants Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,630
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $113,630 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Physician Assistant's salary in Columbia is equivalent to that of a PA earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
Job Market Context
410
Total Jobs
1.056
Per 1K Jobs
1.05
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.05, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Physician Assistants roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.05 signifies that Physician Assistants are slightly more concentrated in Columbia, SC, than the national average. This suggests a healthy, established market for these professionals, indicating that while the demand is present and slightly above average, the field is not oversaturated, offering a balanced competitive environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Physician Assistants
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $115,510↑ 2% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $113,380↓ 0% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Physician Assistants Salary | $111,500↓ 2% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Physician Assistants Salary | $98,400↓ 13% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Physician Assistants make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC is $113,630. This typically ranges from $47,940 for entry-level positions to $136,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 17.0% lower than the national median of $136,910.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Physician Assistants?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC, earn a respectable $113,630 annually, this is below the national average of $136,910, indicating less lucrative compensation in this specific market.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Physician 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 ($115,510) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Columbia, SC Physician Assistant salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC, is $113,630, which is approximately 17% lower than the national average of $136,910.
What is the job market like for Physician Assistants in Columbia, SC?
The job market in Columbia, SC, is stable with a slight concentration of Physician Assistants above the national average (LQ of 1.05), suggesting consistent demand and a balanced competitive landscape.
Does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect the Physician Assistant salary?
The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is at the national average (100 index). Therefore, the nominal salary of $113,630 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, without significant impact from higher or lower living expenses.
How many Physician Assistants work in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 410 Physician Assistants employed in Columbia, SC, representing a local workforce size that supports a steady demand for their services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 410 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.056 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 Columbia, SC