Physical Therapist Salary in Aiken, SC: $102,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time physical therapist in Aiken, SC earns a median $102,906/year (≈ $49.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 29-1123). Once you factor in Aiken's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $112,466 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in the field of physical therapy in Aiken, South Carolina, can expect a median annual salary of $102,906, a figure that is slightly below the national median of $105,288. Salaries in this market demonstrate a range from $79,564 at the lowest end to $132,046 at the high end. The estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity, reveal nuances in compensation largely influenced by the structural choices made by employers. For instance, physical therapists working in outpatient orthopedic clinics often earn a lower base salary than those in hospital settings, but they may have opportunities for productivity bonuses that can enhance total compensation. As Aiken continues to develop as a healthcare hub, the demand for physical therapy services is likely to influence salary trends moving forward.
About the Aiken Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,564 | $38.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $86,768 | $41.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $102,906 | $49.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $120,417 | $57.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $132,046 | $63.48 |
Median Salary Position
2.26% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Aiken
In Aiken, SC, the physical therapist salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,482 (2026 est.). At $102,906, the local median is 2.26% below the national median of $105,288.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Aiken: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Aiken Physical Therapist Pay Compares
Aiken median: $102,906/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Aiken Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $103,736 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $105,288 | -2.26% less |
Physical Therapists in Aiken, SC earn a median of $102,906 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.26% lower than the national median of $105,288 and 0.80% below the South Carolina state average of $103,736.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Aiken 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.
Aiken, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A physical therapist earning $102,906 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $112,466 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$87,416
2025 BLS Actual
$100,435
2026 Current Est.
$102,906
2019–2027 Growth
+20.6%
Salary Trajectory for Physical Therapists in Aiken (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.46% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $87,416 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,951 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,457 | Actual |
| 2022 | $95,509 | Actual |
| 2023 | $97,454 | Actual |
| 2024 | $83,474 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $102,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $105,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Aiken metropolitan area, the median physical therapist salary grew 14.9% from $87,416 (2019) to $100,435 (2025). At a 2.46% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $105,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,021 (20.62%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Aiken 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 2.46% 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) | $79,564 – $86,768 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $86,768 – $102,906 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $102,906 – $120,417 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $120,417 – $132,046 |
PT salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual physical therapist compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Physical Therapist Job Market in Aiken
Despite a relatively modest job market with only four physical therapists employed in Aiken, the local cost of living index stands at 91.5, suggesting that professionals have a slightly greater purchasing power compared to the national average. Among employers, outpatient chains such as ATI and Athletico are competitive but may offer lower base pay compared to hospitals that prioritize inpatient rehabilitation services. Factors such as board certification (OCS/SCS) can add significant value to a therapist’s pay package, while productivity expectations are high in many settings, with metrics like units per visit driving income. To maximize earnings potential in Aiken, physical therapists should consider pursuing advanced certifications, exploring opportunities in specialized clinics, and evaluating the distinctions between cash-pay models versus insurance-driven practices. With the growing demand for physical therapy services, there is potential for pay growth and job opportunities in the coming years.
More salary data for Aiken, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $100,435 for physical therapistsin the Aiken metropolitan area. A 2.46% 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 Aiken 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 2.46%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for physical therapists (SOC 29-1123).
Compiled and verified by Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov