Charleston vs Myrtle Beach: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Charleston, SC and Myrtle Beach, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Myrtle Beach, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,866▲ | $40,886 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.01▲ | $19.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,758▲ | $35,994 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,592▲ | $38,608 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,638▲ | $46,922 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $51,845▲ | $50,008 |
| Total Employed | 2,320▲ | 910 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Myrtle Beach.
The salary gap between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is $6,980 (17.07%). Charleston's median is -0.20% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $14,087,Myrtle Beach spans $14,014. Charleston 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, Charleston ($47,410 effective) pays 8.58% more than Myrtle Beach ($43,662 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,866/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($51,845)
- ✓Larger job market (2,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,410)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Charleston grew 30.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.9% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$34,860 (2019) → $45,600 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$30,690 (2019) → $38,950 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Charleston or Myrtle Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Myrtle Beach?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Myrtle Beach as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Charleston vs Myrtle Beach?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov