Physical Therapist Assistant Salary in Greenville, SC: $76,164 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist assistant in Greenville, SC earns a median $76,164/year (≈ $36.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 31-2021). Once you factor in Greenville's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.3), that paycheck buys what $81,668 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.4% above the South Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the anticipated median annual salary for physical therapist assistants in Greenville, South Carolina, is projected to reach $76,164. This figure not only exceeds the national median of $70,247 but also showcases a favorable local compensation trend. With a salary range extending from $58,073 at the 10th percentile to $85,800 at the 90th percentile, this profession presents diverse earning potential. Derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, these figures reflect the ongoing demand for physical therapist assistants in the region. As more practitioners consider the PTA-to-DPT bridge pathways, the emphasis on advanced qualifications can significantly enhance lifetime earnings, making Greenville's job market an attractive option for aspiring PTAs.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,073 | $27.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $65,347 | $31.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $76,164 | $36.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,047 | $38.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,800 | $41.26 |
Median Salary Position
8.42% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Greenville
In Greenville, SC, the physical therapist assistant salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $27,727 (2026 est.). At $76,164, the local median is 8.42% above the national median of $70,247.
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At 40 hours/week in Greenville: You'd be above the median
How Greenville Physical Therapist Assistant Pay Compares
Greenville median: $76,164/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Greenville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $66,000 | +15.40% more |
| National Average | $70,247 | +8.42% more |
Physical Therapist Assistants in Greenville, SC earn a median of $76,164 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.42% higher than the national median of $70,247 and 15.40% above the South Carolina state average of $66,000.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Greenville has a cost of living 6.74% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Greenville, SC has a cost-of-living index of 93.26 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist assistant earning $76,164 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $81,668 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.23% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$61,070
2025 BLS Actual
$74,140
2026 Current Est.
$76,164
2019–2027 Growth
+28.1%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapist Assistants in Greenville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.73% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61,070 | Actual |
| 2020 | $66,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $66,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,880 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,140 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76,164 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,243 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Greenville metropolitan area, the median physical therapist assistant salary grew 21.4% from $61,070 (2019) to $74,140 (2025). At a 2.73% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,243 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,173 (28.12%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Greenville 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) | $58,073 – $65,347 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $65,347 – $76,164 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $76,164 – $80,047 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,047 – $85,800 |
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 Greenville
Analyzing the local job market, Greenville employs approximately 380 physical therapist assistants, contributing to a competitive landscape. The cost of living index stands at 93.26, indicating that while salaries are robust, they must be weighed against local expenses to determine real purchasing power. Outpatient orthopedic clinics tend to be the highest payers, often exceeding compensation found in skilled nursing facilities and hospital settings. Factors influencing pay disparity include work settings, productivity expectations, and the adverse impact of the CMS 15% Medicare cut, particularly in heavily Medicare-reliant environments. For those looking to maximize earnings in Greenville, specializing in outpatient care or pursuing PRN roles can offer additional financial incentives, while maintaining a strong commitment to continued professional development will enhance overall marketability in this evolving field.
More salary data for Greenville, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $74,140 for physical therapist assistantsin the Greenville 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
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