Columbia vs Summerville: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Columbia, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,296▲ | $101,609 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.18▲ | $48.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,476 | $78,922▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,247 | $86,419▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $111,476 | $122,762▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,169 | $137,812▲ |
| Total Employed | 670▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Columbia and Summerville is $687 (0.68%). Columbia's median is -2.84% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $54,693,Summerville spans $58,890. Summerville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Summerville ($111,048 effective) pays 1.68% more than Columbia ($109,218 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 ($102,296/year)
- ✓Larger job market (670 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($137,812)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,048)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Columbia grew 12.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$88,910 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$82,421 (2024) → $99,169 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Columbia or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Summerville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Summerville as a physical therapist?
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Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov