Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay in Charleston, SC: $30.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a physical therapist assistant working in Charleston, SC runs $30.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,970 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Weighted against Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,385 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Charleston, South Carolina, offers a median hourly pay of $30.76 for physical therapist assistants, which is approximately 8.94% lower than the national average of $33.77 per hour. This rate is reflective of the diverse venues in which PTAs work, including outpatient clinics, skilled nursing facilities, and home health environments. The hourly pay range for this profession spans from $18.41 for entry-level positions to $45.10 for experienced practitioners, creating opportunities for both part-time, three-day-a-week schedules and per-diem contracts. With many PTAs transitioning into varied roles, this hourly compensation is significant for those looking to balance work-lifestyle preferences or enhance their income with flexible per-diem arrangements.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.41 | $147.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.62 | $228.96 |
| Median (P50) | $30.76 | $246.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.48 | $315.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.10 | $360.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Charleston
Based on $30.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.76/hr, a physical therapist assistant working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $63,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,909. With a cost-of-living index of 100.96 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,230.29 | $5,331 | $63,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $738.18 | $3,199 | $38,385 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $492.12 | $2,133 | $25,590 |
Compare PTA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Physical Therapist Assistant (Charleston) | $30.76 |
| Physical Therapist (National Avg) | $48.65 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant (National Avg) | $33.15 |
| Athletic Trainer (National Avg) | $27.85 |
| Massage Therapist (National Avg) | $27.10 |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston, SC earn a median of $63,970 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.94% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 3.10% below the South Carolina state average of $66,016.
Physical Therapist Assistant Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.76/hr = $38,385/year (purchasing power: $38,019).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,975/year (purchasing power: $63,366).
CoL index: 100.962 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+15.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.90/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Charleston grew 9.8% from $27.26/hr (2019) to $29.94/hr (2025). At a 2.73% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.60/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem physical therapist assistants can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Charleston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.73% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Physical Therapist Assistant in Charleston
The earning potential for a part-time physical therapist assistant in Charleston, working three days a week at 24 hours, can result in an annual income of around $38,221, considerably less than a full-time salary. Per diem physical therapist assistant pay in Charleston typically varies between $32 and $48 per hour, with agency positions in skilled nursing facilities facing reduced rates due to the recent 15% Medicare cut impacting reimbursement for PTA services. Hourly wages can differ significantly by employer type; outpatient orthopedic clinics often provide better compensation compared to home health agencies. Many practitioners must weigh the benefits of higher hourly rates without health insurance against lower rates that include benefits. For PTAs negotiating salaries in Charleston, highlighting their APTA representation and understanding local market demands may strengthen their case for better hourly pay while navigating job offers efficiently.
More salary data for Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for physical therapist assistants in Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time physical therapist assistants make in Charleston?
Are physical therapist assistants in Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time physical therapist assistant make per year in Charleston?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for physical therapist assistants in Charleston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.73%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapist assistants (SOC 31-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov