Charleston vs North Charleston: Anesthesiologist Salary (2026)
Compare anesthesiologist salaries between Charleston, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $322,780 | $329,661▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $155.18 | $158.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $183,868 | $191,204▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $217,360 | $237,356▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $322,780 | $412,519▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $451,095 | $468,221▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for anesthesiologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and North Charleston is $6,881 (2.13%). 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 Charleston spans $267,227,North Charleston spans $277,017. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced anesthesiologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($360,285 effective) pays 12.69% more than Charleston ($319,704 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($329,661/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($468,221)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓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 Charleston grew -6.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -4.5% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$330,478 (2024) → $308,880 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$330,349 (2024) → $315,465 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays anesthesiologists more: Charleston or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Charleston to North Charleston as a anesthesiologist?
What do entry-level anesthesiologists earn in Charleston vs North Charleston?
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