City
Salary

What is the average salary in Aiken, SC?

The average salary in Aiken, SC is $65,050 per year.

Job seekers in Aiken, SC, have various opportunities with a range of salaries available. The average yearly salary in the area is approximately $65,050. This average provides a good benchmark for understanding the potential earnings in different sectors. The diverse job market offers competitive compensation across many industries.

Different industries offer varying salary levels in Aiken, SC. For example, the highest-paying job roles generally include:

  • Health care: $194,000
  • Information technology: $178,364
  • Management: $162,727
  • Finance and insurance: $147,091
  • Legal: $131,455
  • Engineering: $115,818
  • Sales: $100,182
  • Education: $84,545
  • Construction: $68,909
  • Retail and food service: $53,273
  • Administrative support: $37,636
These figures highlight the wide salary range available, encouraging job seekers to explore roles that match their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Aiken, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Aiken, SC?

Aiken, SC, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Among these, Project Engineers earn the highest average salary, making it a lucrative career path. The region also values roles such as Principal Engineers and Technical Project Leads, providing attractive compensation packages. For those seeking top-tier income, careers in engineering and management stand out. Business Analysts, Construction Project Managers, and Technical Project Leads also command strong salaries. These positions benefit from Aiken's growing demand for skilled professionals in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Aiken, SC, highlighting Project Engineer with the highest at $126,392 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $89,639.
  1. Project Engineer
    Average Salary: $126,392
    This role involves managing engineering projects. The engineer works closely with clients and other team members. Companies like AECOM and CH2M are known for hiring such engineers.
    Find Project Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  2. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,770
    Principal Engineers oversee complex projects. They ensure quality and timelines are met. Local firms such as Bosch and Duke Energy often seek skilled Principal Engineers.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $120,648
    This position requires leadership skills and technical know-how. The lead manages teams and projects. Companies like IBM and SAP often have openings for Technical Project Leads in Aiken.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Aiken, SC


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $115,017
    Engineers design and develop various systems. They work on projects ranging from construction to technology. Firms such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin often hire engineers in the area.
    Find Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  5. Construction Project Manager
    Average Salary: $108,712
    This role involves overseeing construction projects. Managers coordinate teams and ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Companies like Fluor and Bechtel often hire Construction Project Managers.
    Find Construction Project Manager jobs in Aiken, SC


  6. Business Analyst
    Average Salary: $105,190
    Business Analysts study company operations and processes. They recommend improvements to increase efficiency. Firms like Accenture and Deloitte often need skilled Business Analysts.
    Find Business Analyst jobs in Aiken, SC


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $104,517
    Traveling Nurses provide care in different locations. They work in hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare facilities. Agencies like American Mobile Healthcare and Trusted Nurse Staffing often hire traveling nurses.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Aiken, SC


  8. Insurance Agent
    Average Salary: $90,608
    Insurance Agents sell and manage insurance policies. They work with clients to find the best coverage options. Companies like Allstate and GEICO often hire Insurance Agents.
    Find Insurance Agent jobs in Aiken, SC


  9. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $90,550
    Speech Language Pathologists help people with communication disorders. They work in clinics or schools. Local hospitals and rehabilitation centers often seek qualified Speech Language Pathologists.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Aiken, SC


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $89,639
    Occupational Therapists help people regain independence in daily activities. They work in hospitals, schools, or clinics. Local healthcare facilities often need Occupational Therapists.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Aiken, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Aiken, SC without a degree?

Job seekers in Aiken, SC, can find good earning potential in several roles that do not require a degree. Restaurant managers lead dining establishments, earning an average of $49,402 a year. Meat cutters and landscapers can also find solid pay, around $37,500 and $34,000 respectively, making these fields viable options for those seeking higher wages without a degree. Another opportunity exists in food service, such as kitchen managers, servers, and line cooks, who earn between $32,000 and $34,000 annually. Groundskeepers and baristas also offer steady pay, around $29,000 to $30,000. Housekeeping staff earn slightly less, but still a respectable $26,000. These roles present clear pathways to earning a good living in Aiken, SC, without the need for a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Aiken, SC without a degree, highlighting Meat Cutter with the highest at $37,537 and Restaurant Manager with the lowest at $49,402.
  1. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,537
    Prepares and cuts meat for sale in grocery stores and butcher shops. Ensures freshness and quality. Local employers could be local butcheries and grocery chains.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Aiken, SC


  2. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $34,121
    Maintains outdoor spaces by trimming, planting, and cleaning. Works for landscaping companies or as a freelancer. Green spaces around residential and commercial properties are common.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Aiken, SC


  3. Server
    Average Salary: $32,742
    Takes orders and serves food to customers in restaurants. Interacts with guests to ensure a pleasant dining experience. Works at various local eateries and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Aiken, SC


  4. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $32,398
    Oversees kitchen staff and food preparation. Ensures kitchen operations run smoothly. Works in restaurants and food service businesses.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Aiken, SC


  5. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $29,049
    Maintains the grounds and exterior areas of buildings. Performs landscaping tasks and ensures the property looks neat. Commonly employed by schools, offices, and public parks.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Aiken, SC


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $28,679
    Prepares and serves coffee and other beverages in coffee shops. Interacts with customers to take orders. Works in local cafes and chains.
    Find Barista jobs in Aiken, SC


  7. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $27,695
    Prepares ingredients and cooks food in a fast-paced environment. Works in a team to ensure timely food service. Found in restaurants, fast food chains, and cafes.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Aiken, SC


  8. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $26,614
    Assists in food preparation and kitchen operations. Supports chefs and cooks. Works in a variety of dining establishments.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Aiken, SC


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $26,352
    Cleans and maintains rooms in hotels, motels, and residential properties. Ensures a clean and welcoming environment. Works in hospitality and residential settings.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Aiken, SC


  10. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,402
    Manages the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. Oversees staff, maintains quality, and ensures customer satisfaction. Key players include chains like Applebee’s and local favorites.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Aiken, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Aiken, SC?

Several companies in Aiken, SC, offer competitive salaries, making the area attractive for job seekers. Leading the pack is Fluor Corp., with an average salary of $139,971. Other notable companies include Omega Technical Services, Longenecker & Associates, and Edgewater Technical Associates, all offering salaries above $100,000. These companies provide opportunities for professionals seeking high earnings in Aiken. The competitive salaries reflect the value these organizations place on their employees. Job seekers can explore these companies to find rewarding career opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Aiken, SC, highlighting Fluor Corp. with the highest at $139,971 and BAE Systems USA with the lowest at $71,451.
  1. Fluor Corp.
    Average Salary: $139,971
    Fluor Corp. is a global engineering and construction company. It works on a variety of projects, including nuclear facilities and infrastructure. The company is known for its stability and benefits.


  2. Omega Technical Services
    Average Salary: $132,423
    Omega Technical Services offers technical services for energy projects. It focuses on nuclear energy and has a strong presence in the industry. The company values its employees and offers competitive salaries.


  3. Longenecker & Associates
    Average Salary: $107,772
    Longenecker & Associates is a civil engineering firm. It works on a variety of projects, including infrastructure and construction. The company values teamwork and innovation.


  4. Edgewater Technical Associates
    Average Salary: $104,622
    Edgewater Technical Associates provides engineering and technical services. It focuses on the energy sector, including nuclear energy. The company is known for its commitment to safety and quality.


  5. Pinnacle Specialty Group
    Average Salary: $103,021
    Pinnacle Specialty Group is an insurance company. It provides specialty insurance solutions for a variety of industries. The company values professionalism and excellence.


  6. E2 CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
    Average Salary: $96,345
    E2 Consulting Engineers offers engineering services. It works on projects for the energy, infrastructure, and construction sectors. The company values innovation and sustainability.


  7. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
    Average Salary: $86,415
    Savannah River Nuclear Solutions provides services for nuclear facilities. It focuses on maintenance and operations. The company values safety and reliability.


  8. Amedisys
    Average Salary: $82,780
    Amedisys offers home health care services. It provides nursing, therapy, and hospice care. The company values compassion and quality care.


  9. ACT-1 Government
    Average Salary: $72,897
    ACT-1 Government provides consulting services to the government. It works on a variety of projects, including infrastructure and technology. The company values public service and innovation.


  10. BAE Systems USA
    Average Salary: $71,451
    BAE Systems USA is a defense and aerospace company. It provides solutions for military and commercial markets. The company values security and innovation.

How does the cost of living in Aiken, SC compare to the national average?

The cost of living index for Aiken, South Carolina, shows that residents typically spend less on most essentials compared to the nationwide average. The Aiken index sits at 93, which means residents pay about 7% less on average than the national benchmark of 100. Specifically, lower prices in housing and utilities contribute significantly to the overall lower cost of living. For job seekers considering Aiken, this index suggests that expenses for groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous items remain close to the national average, with only slight variations. This balanced cost of living makes Aiken an attractive option for those seeking affordability without significant trade-offs.
Cost of living comparison graph for Aiken, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 17% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Aiken, South Carolina, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The housing index in Aiken stands at 83, which is 17% below the national average of 100. This indicates that job seekers can find affordable housing options compared to other areas across the country.


Furthermore, the overall affordability in Aiken extends to other key areas. While the groceries index is slightly below the national average at 95, utilities at 97 and healthcare at 98 show competitive rates. Transportation costs also remain reasonable at 90, and miscellaneous expenses are at 92. This combination of lower housing costs and competitive prices in other categories makes Aiken an attractive place for professionals seeking a balanced cost of living.

There are 685 job openings in Aiken, SC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Aiken, SC

Discover what it's like to work in Aiken, SC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Aiken, SC
685 Job Openings