Charleston vs Lexington: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,970▲ | $62,363 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.76▲ | $29.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,287 | $44,158▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,532▲ | $54,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,112▲ | $68,854 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,792▲ | $75,146 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $1,607 (2.58%). Charleston's median is -8.94% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $55,505,Lexington spans $30,988. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Lexington ($68,156 effective) pays 7.57% more than Charleston ($63,360 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,970/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,792)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,156)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Charleston grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$56,690 (2019) → $62,270 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$53,584 (2024) → $60,706 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov