Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Physician Assistant Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median physician assistant salary in Charleston, SC is $126,010 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$126,010
vs State Avg
+$13,861
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Physician Assistant Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median physician assistant salary of $126,010, which is $13,861 above the South Carolina state average of $112,149. Compared to the national median of $126,010, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for physician assistants in Charleston spans from $84,000 at the 10th percentile to $174,000 at the 90th percentile — a $90,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $88,000, while senior physician assistants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Physician Assistant Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $88,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$88,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$126,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $84,000
25th Percentile $106,000
Median (50th) $126,010
75th Percentile $151,000
90th Percentile $174,000

Physician Assistant Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Physician Assistant in Charleston

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Physician Assistant Jobs in Charleston

Browse open physician assistant positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Charleston

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $126,010 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $84,000 (10th percentile) to $174,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,010, a physician assistant in Charleston earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for physician assistant pay? ▼
Charleston's median physician assistant salary of $126,010 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $112,149. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a physician assistant salary of $126,010 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a physician assistant in Charleston? ▼
Most physician assistant positions in Charleston require a master's degree. Key skills include Clinical Assessment, Pharmacology, Surgical Assisting, Patient Communication. The job market is projected to grow 28% nationally over the next decade.