Charleston vs Myrtle Beach: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist 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 | $240,634 | $294,108▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $115.69 | $141.40▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $175,800 | $221,025▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $235,585 | $276,308▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $303,386 | $340,469▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $434,918▲ | $340,469 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 40 |
Verdict
Myrtle Beach, SC offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Charleston.
The salary gap between Charleston and Myrtle Beach is $53,474 (22.22%). Myrtle Beach's median is +18.17% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $259,118,Myrtle Beach spans $119,444. 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, Myrtle Beach ($314,077 effective) pays 31.78% more than Charleston ($238,341 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($434,918)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Myrtle Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($294,108/year)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $314,077)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Charleston grew 43.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 48.2% growth in Myrtle Beach over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$159,380 (2019) → $228,740 (2025)
Myrtle Beach, SC
$188,690 (2019) → $279,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists 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 nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Charleston vs Myrtle Beach?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% 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 Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov