Bluffton vs North Charleston: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Bluffton, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bluffton, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $356,204▲ | $329,661 |
| Hourly Rate | $171.25▲ | $158.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $206,599▲ | $191,204 |
| 25th Percentile | $256,467▲ | $237,356 |
| 75th Percentile | $446,964▲ | $412,519 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $499,530▲ | $468,221 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Bluffton, SC offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to North Charleston.
The salary gap between Bluffton and North Charleston is $26,543 (8.05%). Bluffton's median is -12.93% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bluffton spans $292,931,North Charleston spans $277,017. Bluffton has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bluffton ($389,294 effective) pays 8.05% more than North Charleston ($360,285 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bluffton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($356,204/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($499,530)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $389,294)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Bluffton grew 11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Bluffton, SC
$304,740 (2024) → $340,865 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$330,349 (2024) → $315,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bluffton, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Dr. Maria Chen, MD
Career Analyst
Dr. Chen has over 10 years of experience in anesthesiology. She specializes in perioperative care at a major metropolitan hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.50% 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 Dr. Maria Chen, MD, a licensed anesthesiologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov