Aiken vs Charleston: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Aiken, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,525 | $47,866▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.45 | $23.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,560 | $37,758▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,009 | $40,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $45,461 | $50,638▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $53,866▲ | $51,845 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 2,320▲ |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Charleston is $5,341 (12.56%). 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 Aiken spans $19,306,Charleston spans $14,087. Aiken 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 2.01% more than Aiken ($46,475 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($53,866)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,866/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,410)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Aiken grew 20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$33,571 (2024) → $40,512 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$34,860 (2019) → $45,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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