2026 Salary — South Carolina
Updated April 29, 2026
Physical Therapist Salary in South Carolina: $92K Median
Physical Therapists in South Carolina earn between $69K and $120K per year.
That's -8% below the US national median.
Quick Answer
As of April 2026, the median Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina is $91,733 per year — -8% below the US national median of $99,710. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) to $119,600 (90th percentile). South Carolina's cost-of-living index is 95. State income tax applies.
Median
$91,733
+560.0% YoY
Entry
$71,760
Experienced
$105,800
Top 10%
$119,600
About Physical Therapists in South Carolina
Physical therapists help patients recover mobility and manage pain through evidence-based treatment plans, manual therapy, and exercise.
Hot 2026 Skills
Telehealth PTSports medicinePelvic healthManual therapy specialtyDirect access
ATS Keywords
DPTmanual therapypatient evaluationorthopedicsports rehabilitationEMR (WebPT)evidence-based practice
How to Negotiate Your Physical Therapist Salary in South Carolina
Walk-away anchor: $83,394.
Leverage Points
- Specialty certifications (CCRN, OCS, BCPS, FNP) command 8-15% premiums
- Compact license / multi-state authority and willingness to float between units
- Night, weekend, and holiday shift differentials add up to $10K-$25K annually
- Critical-shortage specialties (ICU, ER, NICU, oncology) have the most leverage
Negotiate Beyond Base
Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles)Tuition reimbursement and certification stipendsLoan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible)Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%)Relocation package and housing stipend
Physical Therapist Salary FAQ — South Carolina
What is the average Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina?
The average Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina is $91,733 per year as of April 2026. Salaries range from $69,000 (entry, 25th percentile) up to $119,600 (90th percentile). State income tax applies.
How does Physical Therapist pay in South Carolina compare to the US average?
Physical Therapists in South Carolina earn approximately 8% less than the US national median ($99,710 nationally vs $91,733 in South Carolina). South Carolina's cost-of-living index of 95 is close to the national average.
Did Physical Therapist salaries in South Carolina increase in 2026?
Yes — Physical Therapist salaries in South Carolina grew approximately 560.0% year-over-year, from $13,899 in 2025 to $91,733 in 2026. This reflects the broader Healthcare sector's wage growth, driven by Telehealth PT and Sports medicine demand.
Which South Carolina cities pay Physical Therapists the most?
South Carolina has no major metros in our database — fallback to the closest tracked city for detailed breakdowns.
What's the job outlook for Physical Therapists in South Carolina?
PT employment projected to grow 14% — among fastest-growing health professions due to aging population. South Carolina's top industries include Manufacturing (BMW, Boeing), Tourism, Aerospace, and the state's unemployment rate is 3.5% — a tight labor market favoring candidates.
Does South Carolina have state income tax?
Yes, South Carolina has state income tax. This affects take-home pay — at $91,733, expect 4-7% effective state tax depending on filing status. See city pages for detailed take-home calculations.
What skills are most in demand for Physical Therapists in 2026?
Hottest 2026 skills: Telehealth PT, Sports medicine, Pelvic health, Manual therapy specialty, Direct access. ATS systems specifically scan for these. Adding them to your resume — naturally and in context — improves your match rate with South Carolina employers.
How can I increase my Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina?
Given the current shortage in this specialty and my certifications, I'm looking for $X base plus shift differential and a sign-on bonus. What flexibility do you have on those line items? Beyond base, negotiate: Sign-on bonus ($10K-$30K, often $50K+ for hard-to-fill roles), Tuition reimbursement and certification stipends, Loan repayment programs (especially federal/HRSA-eligible), Shift differentials (nights +15%, weekends +10%). Walk-away anchor for South Carolina: $83,394.
Methodology
South Carolina Physical Therapist salary is the BLS national median ($99,710) adjusted by South Carolina's state multiplier (0.92×). YoY rate from BLS Employment Cost Index. Last reviewed April 29, 2026.
Physical Therapist Salary in Other States
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