Columbia vs North Charleston: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist 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 | $303,698 | $329,661▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $146.01 | $158.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $206,586▲ | $191,204 |
| 25th Percentile | $206,586 | $237,356▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $460,281▲ | $412,519 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $562,220▲ | $468,221 |
| Total Employed | 70▲ | 22 |
Verdict
Columbia and North Charleston are closely matched on overall anesthesiologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $25,963 (8.55%). North Charleston's median is -19.42% compared to the US national median of $409,107.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $355,634,North Charleston spans $277,017. Columbia 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, North Charleston ($360,285 effective) pays 11.11% more than Columbia ($324,249 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($562,220)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($329,661/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $360,285)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, anesthesiologist salaries in Columbia grew -11.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$328,615 (2024) → $290,620 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$330,349 (2024) → $315,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists 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 anesthesiologist?
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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