Physical Therapist Salary in South Carolina

How Much Does a Physical Therapist Make in South Carolina?

The typical Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina ranges from $63,700 to $118,300, with the national median at $91,000.

Help patients recover from injuries and improve mobility Your actual take-home pay as a Physical Therapist in South Carolina depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• South Carolina state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Physical Therapist in South Carolina

As a Physical Therapist working in South Carolina, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Physical Therapist professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

South Carolina State Income Tax

South Carolina has a state income tax that applies to all Physical Therapist salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on South Carolina's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our South Carolina salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Physical Therapist salary.

Cost of Living for Physical Therapist in South Carolina

Your Physical Therapist salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of South Carolina. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $91,000 Physical Therapist salary in a low-cost area of South Carolina provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Physical Therapist Salary Examples in South Carolina

Here's what different Physical Therapist salary levels look like in South Carolina:

Entry-Level Physical Therapist ($63,700)

• Gross annual salary: $63,700
• Federal tax: ~$7,644
• FICA: ~$4,873
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $44,590

Median Physical Therapist ($91,000)

• Gross annual salary: $91,000
• Federal tax: ~$14,560
• FICA: ~$6,962
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $60,970

Experienced Physical Therapist ($118,300)

• Gross annual salary: $118,300
• Federal tax: ~$26,026
• FICA: ~$9,050
• South Carolina state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $70,980

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our South Carolina salary calculator.

Compare Physical Therapist Salaries Across States

The same Physical Therapist salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $91,000 Physical Therapist salary in California results in about $4,550 to $9,100 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina?

The average Physical Therapist salary in South Carolina varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $91,000, with typical South Carolina salaries ranging from $63,700 to $118,300.

How much does a Physical Therapist make after taxes in South Carolina?

After federal taxes, FICA, South Carolina state tax, and typical deductions, a Physical Therapist earning $91,000 in South Carolina takes home approximately $59,150 to $63,700 per year.

Is South Carolina a good state for Physical Therapist professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider South Carolina's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Physical Therapist take-home pay in South Carolina?

Use our South Carolina salary calculator →

Or compare Physical Therapist salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.