Physical Therapist Salary in South Carolina
Based on 4K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$101,330
$48.72/hr
vs National Average
$101,618
-0.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$73K – $123K
4K employed in South Carolina
Exploring the Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina reveals a median annual income of $101,330. This figure positions South Carolina's average earnings for physical therapists at an exact match with the national average, indicating strong earning potential within the state. Currently, approximately 3,930 professionals are employed in this vital healthcare field across South Carolina.
Several factors can influence an individual Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina. These include years of experience, specific certifications held, and the type of healthcare setting where one practices, such as hospitals, private clinics, or rehabilitation centers. Furthermore, geographic location within South Carolina may also contribute to salary variations, with potentially higher demand and compensation in more populated or underserved areas, affecting the overall range of $72,810 to $123,480.
Salary Distribution — Physical Therapist in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $72,810 |
| 25th percentile | $81,850 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,330 |
| 75th percentile | $111,860 |
| 90th percentile | $123,480 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physical Therapist (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physical Therapists the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physical Therapists in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $120,530 | 30 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $111,030 | 4K |
| Finance and Insurance | $104,860 | 60 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $102,890 | 249K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $101,820 | 60 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physical Therapist in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,620 |
| 2023 | $97,280 |
| 2024 | $100,950 |
| 2025 | $101,330 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,711 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,620 | $94,188 |
| 2023 | $97,280 | $97,485 |
| 2024 | $100,950 | $99,884 |
| 2025 | $101,330 | $101,618 |
| 2026 (projected) | $101,711 | $102,001 |
Physical Therapist Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $81,850 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,330 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $111,860 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $123,480 |
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
Related Physical Therapist Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Physical Therapist ($101,330 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physical Therapist | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +254.8% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +237.5% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +198.4% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +162.0% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +136.1% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +135.8% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +134.1% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +114.3% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +72.2% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +64.9% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +56.6% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +44.0% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapists make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for physical therapists in South Carolina is $101,330 per year, which breaks down to approximately $49 per hour. This figure is very close to the national average, just 0.3% lower.
What is the typical salary range for a Physical Therapist in SC?
- In South Carolina, the salary range for physical therapists generally falls between $72,810 and $123,480 annually. This means that while the median is $101,330, many professionals earn less or more depending on experience and location.
How does the average physical therapist salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Physical therapists in South Carolina earn a median salary of $101,330 per year, which is 0.3% less than the national average. This slight difference indicates that compensation is quite competitive within the state.
How many physical therapists are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 3,930 physical therapists currently employed in South Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $101,330.