Columbia vs Mount Pleasant: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,638 | $66,993▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.08 | $32.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,328 | $46,949▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,344▲ | $56,816 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,794▲ | $76,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,745 | $85,953▲ |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Mount Pleasant, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Mount Pleasant is $2,355 (3.64%). Mount Pleasant's median is -4.63% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $39,417,Mount Pleasant spans $39,004. Columbia 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, Mount Pleasant ($73,216 effective) pays 6.09% more than Columbia ($69,012 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,953)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,216)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Columbia grew 11.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.3% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$56,660 (2019) → $62,920 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$57,562 (2024) → $65,213 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbia or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Mount Pleasant as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbia vs Mount Pleasant?
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