Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Clemson, SC: $60,800 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Clemson, SC earns a median $60,800/year (≈ $29.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Clemson's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $66,448 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.9% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clemson, South Carolina, the projected median annual physical therapist assistant salary in 2026 is $60,800, reflecting the local job market's adaptation to recent healthcare changes, particularly the shift away from skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) and towards outpatient care. The salary range spans from $45,618 at the 10th percentile to $76,097 at the 90th percentile, highlighting significant variability based on experience, employment setting, and demand. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and account for regional price considerations, positioning the Clemson physical therapist assistant pay SC as notably lower than the national median of $70,247, which is a considerable gap that professionals in the area must navigate.
About the Clemson Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,618 | $21.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,911 | $26.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,800 | $29.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,883 | $33.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,097 | $36.58 |
Median Salary Position
13.45% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clemson
In Clemson, SC, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $30,479 (2026 est.). At $60,800, the local median is 13.45% below the national median of $70,247.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clemson: You'd be above the median
How Clemson Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Clemson median: $60,800/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clemson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $66,015 | -7.90% less |
| National Average | $70,247 | -13.45% less |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Clemson, SC earn a median of $60,800 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.45% lower than the national median of $70,247 and 7.90% below the South Carolina state average of $66,015.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clemson has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clemson, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $60,800 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,448 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,884
2025 BLS Actual
$59,184
2026 Current Est.
$60,800
2019–2027 Growth
+22.7%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Clemson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,884 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,732 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,952 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,328 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,800 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,460 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clemson metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 16.3% from $50,884 (2019) to $59,184 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,460 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,576 (22.75%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clemson 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,618 – $54,911 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,911 – $60,800 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,800 – $68,883 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,883 – $76,097 |
PTA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist assistant compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Assistant Job Market in Clemson
The local market for physical therapist assistants in Clemson is small but specialized, with only six professionals employed in the region. The cost of living index stands at 91.5, indicating lower living expenses compared to the national average and, consequently, a greater purchasing power for those earning within this salary range. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to offer the most competitive salaries, followed by hospital inpatient rehab facilities. This disparity is partly driven by Medicare's 15% cut to PTA-provided services, which has pressured wages in SNF and outpatient settings. As productivity expectations rise, weekends and PRN (as needed) shifts often yield higher pay. To maximize earnings in Clemson, physical therapist assistants should consider employment in higher-paying settings and seek opportunities for additional certifications or specialization, which can enhance their marketability and income potential.
More salary data for Clemson, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do physical therapist assistants make in Clemson, SC in 2026?
Is Clemson, SC a good place to work as a physical therapist assistant?
Can physical therapist assistants make $100K in Clemson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted physical therapist assistant salary in Clemson?
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,184 for physical therapist assistantsin the Clemson metropolitan area. A 2.73% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clemson is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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