Columbia vs North Charleston: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,324 | $104,922▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.90 | $50.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,320▲ | $62,456 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,526 | $85,516▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $110,313 | $122,567▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,807 | $143,424▲ |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $13,598 (14.89%). North Charleston's median is +3.09% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $56,487,North Charleston spans $80,968. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($114,669 effective) pays 17.60% more than Columbia ($97,504 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,922/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,424)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,669)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Columbia grew 22.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$71,540 (2019) → $87,820 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$75,508 (2024) → $100,896 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Columbia or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Columbia to North Charleston as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Columbia vs North Charleston?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov