Physician Assistant Salary in South Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$122,490
$58.89/hr
vs National Average
$136,050
-10.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$78K – $159K
2K employed in South Carolina
The median Physician Assistant salary in South Carolina sits at $122,490 annually, with a typical range from $77,620 to $158,860. This figure represents approximately 10% below the national average for PAs, reflecting the economic landscape of the state where around 2,250 professionals are employed in this vital role.
Several factors influence the Physician Assistant salary in South Carolina. Experience level, specific specialty within healthcare, geographic location within the state, and the type of healthcare facility all play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential. Educational attainment and any additional certifications can also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Physician Assistant in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,620 |
| 25th percentile | $105,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $122,490 |
| 75th percentile | $134,100 |
| 90th percentile | $158,860 |
Top-Paying Industries for Physician Assistant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Physician Assistants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Physician Assistants in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $158,550 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $157,040 | 5K |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $143,220 | 510 |
| Finance and Insurance | $138,040 | 50 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,710 | 350 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Physician Assistant in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,260 |
| 2023 | $114,710 |
| 2024 | $119,190 |
| 2025 | $122,490 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,881 |
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 | $104,260 | $119,792 |
| 2023 | $114,710 | $128,247 |
| 2024 | $119,190 | $131,771 |
| 2025 | $122,490 | $136,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $125,881 | $139,817 |
Physician Assistant Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $122,490 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $134,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $158,860 |
Physician Assistant Salary in Other States
Related Physician Assistant Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Physician Assistant ($122,490 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Physician Assistant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Internal Medicine Physician in SC | $359,500 | +193.5% | $172.84/hr |
| Emergency Medicine Physician in SC | $341,960 | +179.2% | $164.40/hr |
| Obstetrician and Gynecologist in SC | $302,340 | +146.8% | $145.36/hr |
| Nurse Anesthetist in SC | $265,480 | +116.7% | $127.63/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in SC | $239,200 | +95.3% | $115.00/hr |
| Anesthesiologist in SC | $238,970 | +95.1% | $114.89/hr |
| Psychiatrist in SC | $237,250 | +93.7% | $114.06/hr |
| Pediatrician in SC | $217,120 | +77.3% | $104.38/hr |
| Radiologist in SC | $174,480 | +42.4% | $83.88/hr |
| Podiatrist in SC | $167,110 | +36.4% | $80.34/hr |
| Dentist in SC | $158,640 | +29.5% | $76.27/hr |
| Optometrist in SC | $145,950 | +19.2% | $70.17/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Physician Assistant in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Physician Assistant in South Carolina is $122,490 per year, which breaks down to approximately $59 per hour. This median figure is 10.0% lower than the national average.
How much can a Physician Assistant in South Carolina expect to earn?
- Physician Assistants in South Carolina typically earn within a range of $77,620 to $158,860 annually. The median salary falls at $122,490 per year.
What is the salary range for Physician Assistants in South Carolina compared to the national average?
- The salary range for Physician Assistants in South Carolina is from $77,620 to $158,860 per year, with a median of $122,490 annually. This median is 10.0% below the national average.
How many Physician Assistants are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 2,250 Physician Assistants employed in South Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $122,490.