Charleston vs Summerville: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Charleston, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,920▲ | $127,152 |
| Hourly Rate | $61.98▲ | $61.13 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,496 | $75,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $103,364▲ | $100,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $169,667▲ | $162,755 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $188,171 | $197,086▲ |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Charleston and Summerville is $1,768 (1.39%). Charleston's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $146,675,Summerville spans $121,528. 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, Summerville ($138,964 effective) pays 8.83% more than Charleston ($127,692 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 ($128,920/year)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($197,086)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $138,964)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Charleston grew 4.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 24.5% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$116,910 (2020) → $122,130 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$96,756 (2024) → $120,455 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Charleston or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Summerville?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Summerville as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Charleston vs Summerville?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov