Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,638▲ | $59,779 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.08▲ | $28.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,328▲ | $38,852 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,344▲ | $48,807 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,794 | $80,366▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,745▲ | $82,831 |
| Total Employed | 300▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $4,859 (8.13%). Columbia's median is -7.98% 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,Hilton Head Island spans $43,979. Hilton Head Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($69,012 effective) pays 13.16% more than Hilton Head Island ($60,988 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,638/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,745)
- ✓Larger job market (300 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,012)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓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 Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$56,660 (2019) → $62,920 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$51,350 (2019) → $58,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Columbia vs Hilton Head Island?
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