Overview Salaries

Salaries in Aiken, SC

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Aiken, SC?

The average salary in Aiken, SC is $70,741 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Aiken, SC, showing an average salary of $70,741 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Aiken, SC, showing an average salary of $5,895 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Aiken, SC, showing an average salary of $1,360 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Aiken, SC, showing an average salary of $34 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Salaries in Aiken, South Carolina, offer a variety of options across different industries. The average yearly salary stands at $70,741, providing a competitive baseline for professionals. This figure helps job seekers understand the general earning potential in the area.


For those considering a move to Aiken, exploring specific industries can be beneficial. Here are some average salaries based on industry distribution:

  • Agriculture: 26.43%
  • Education: 16.36%
  • Healthcare: 13.94%
  • Retail: 10.45%
  • Construction: 9.22%
  • Manufacturing: 6.86%
  • Finance: 4.57%
  • Technology: 2.50%
  • Utilities: 1.46%
  • Transportation: 1.71%
  • Public Administration: 1.50%
The varied distribution shows a diverse job market, offering opportunities in many fields.

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What are the best paying jobs in Aiken, SC?

Job seekers in Aiken, SC, have good opportunities to find well-paying positions. The top-paying jobs include Principal Engineer, Project Controls Specialist, and Technical Project Lead. These roles offer competitive salaries and valuable career growth. Additionally, roles such as Engineer, Nurse Practitioner, and Software Engineer also pay well. Traveling Nurse, Quality Engineer, Business Analyst, and Speech Language Pathologist positions provide solid income options. These jobs combine good pay with meaningful work, helping professionals achieve their career goals in Aiken.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Aiken, SC, highlighting Principal Engineer with the highest at $138,051 and Speech Language Pathologist with the lowest at $92,977.

  1. Principal Engineer
    Average Salary: $138,051
    This role offers advanced technical and leadership responsibilities. Professionals can work with companies like Savannah River Nuclear Solutions. They use skills to improve processes and maintain safety standards.
    Find Principal Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  2. Project Controls Specialist
    Average Salary: $136,907
    Responsibilities include overseeing budgets and timelines for projects. Companies like AECOM seek candidates with strong analytical skills. They must ensure that projects stay on track and within budget.
    Find Project Controls Specialist jobs in Aiken, SC


  3. Technical Project Lead
    Average Salary: $129,469
    In this role, you lead technical teams on projects. Companies like Boeing need professionals with great leadership and technical skills. They make sure projects meet goals and deadlines efficiently.
    Find Technical Project Lead jobs in Aiken, SC


  4. Engineer
    Average Salary: $123,885
    Engineers work on a variety of projects, from infrastructure to systems. They collaborate with firms like Fluor Corporation. They ensure designs are safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
    Find Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $122,148
    This role involves providing advanced nursing care. They can work in healthcare facilities like Aiken Regional Medical Centers. They diagnose and treat patients, offering both primary and specialty care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Aiken, SC


  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $114,177
    Software engineers create and maintain software applications. They work with companies such as IBM. They must have strong coding skills and problem-solving abilities.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  7. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $104,586
    Traveling nurses provide care in various locations. They work with organizations like Cross Country Nurses. They offer flexible work options and the chance to gain diverse experience.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Aiken, SC


  8. Quality Engineer
    Average Salary: $102,252
    Quality engineers ensure products meet standards. They can work for companies like DuPont. They conduct tests and implement quality control processes.
    Find Quality Engineer jobs in Aiken, SC


  9. Business Analyst
    Average Salary: $102,217
    Business analysts study organizations and find ways to improve. They collaborate with firms like Accenture. They use data to make informed decisions to boost efficiency.
    Find Business Analyst jobs in Aiken, SC


  10. Speech Language Pathologist
    Average Salary: $92,977
    These professionals work with people who have communication disorders. They work in healthcare settings. They help patients improve their ability to speak and communicate effectively.
    Find Speech Language Pathologist jobs in Aiken, SC

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

In Aiken, SC, several high-paying jobs do not require a college degree. These roles offer competitive salaries and valuable work experiences. For instance, meat cutters average around $37,942 annually, while servers earn approximately $32,590 a year. Other well-paying positions include groundskeepers at $30,587, floor techs at $29,110, and line cooks at about $29,049. These jobs provide a chance to earn a good income without needing a degree. Positions like barista, kitchen team member, and housekeeping also offer respectable salaries, ranging from $28,313 to $26,264 per year. These options allow individuals to build a rewarding career while gaining essential skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Aiken, SC without a degree, highlighting Meat Cutter with the highest at $37,942 and Dishwasher with the lowest at $25,337.

  1. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,942
    This role involves cutting, trimming, and wrapping meat to prepare it for sale. It requires working in grocery stores or butcher shops, handling various cuts of meat. Aiken has several local markets that need skilled meat cutters.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Aiken, SC


  2. Server
    Average Salary: $32,590
    Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food and drinks to customers. They interact directly with guests, ensuring they have a pleasant dining experience. Many eateries in Aiken rely on dedicated and friendly servers.
    Find Server jobs in Aiken, SC


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $30,587
    This position involves maintaining the grounds of buildings and properties. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and ensuring the exterior areas are clean and well-kept. Aiken’s parks and businesses offer opportunities for those who enjoy working outdoors.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Aiken, SC


  4. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $29,110
    Floor techs clean and maintain the floors in commercial buildings. They sweep, mop, and sometimes buff floors to keep them in good condition. Many facilities and retail spaces in Aiken need floor techs to keep their environments clean.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Aiken, SC


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $29,049
    Line cooks prepare ingredients and cook food to recipes and standards. They work in fast-paced kitchen environments, often at restaurants or cafes. Aiken has many dining establishments that need skilled line cooks to help prepare meals for customers.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Aiken, SC


  6. Barista
    Average Salary: $28,313
    Baristas work in coffee shops, preparing and serving coffee and other beverages. They interact with customers, take orders, and ensure the coffee is brewed to perfection. Several local coffee shops in Aiken are always on the lookout for passionate baristas.
    Find Barista jobs in Aiken, SC


  7. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $27,014
    Kitchen team members assist in all areas of the kitchen. They help prepare ingredients, cook food, and ensure the kitchen runs smoothly. Many restaurants in Aiken need team players to support their kitchen staff.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Aiken, SC


  8. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $26,304
    To Go specialists prepare orders for customers to take away. They package food and drinks correctly and ensure the orders are ready on time. Several fast-food and takeout restaurants in Aiken depend on reliable To Go specialists.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Aiken, SC


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $26,264
    Housekeeping staff clean and maintain rooms in hotels, motels, and resorts. They ensure that guest rooms are tidy and comfortable. Aiken has various hospitality options that need housekeepers to provide a clean environment for guests.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Aiken, SC


  10. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $25,337
    Dishwashers clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. They work in restaurants and cafeterias, ensuring that the kitchen operates smoothly. Many dining establishments in Aiken require diligent dishwashers to keep up with their cleaning needs.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Aiken, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Aiken, SC?

Job seekers in Aiken, SC, have a range of well-paying companies to choose from. Omega Technical Services leads with an impressive average salary of $158,247, followed closely by Fluor Corporation at $142,072. Tech Army, LLC also offers a competitive average salary of $136,748. Companies such as Longenecker & Associates, Inc. and Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC provide solid average salaries around $111,245 and $106,432, respectively. Pinnacle Specialty Group, Inc., Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, and OLH Inc. offer salaries ranging from $104,677 to $92,738. E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. and Rolls-Royce, while still offering good compensation, have lower average salaries of $89,915 and $89,039. These companies present strong opportunities for those seeking well-paid positions in the Aiken area.
Graph displaying company salaries in Aiken, SC, highlighting Omega Technical Services with the highest at $158,247 and Rolls-Royce with the lowest at $89,039.

  1. Omega Technical Services
    Average Salary: $158,247
    Omega Technical Services offers high-paying jobs and advanced career opportunities. They focus on technical and management roles, providing a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. Fluor Corporation
    Average Salary: $142,072
    Fluor Corporation is a global engineering firm. They offer diverse job roles with good pay and benefits. Their projects often span across various industries, providing solid career growth.


  3. Tech Army, LLC
    Average Salary: $136,748
    Tech Army, LLC provides cutting-edge technology solutions. They pay well for their engineering and IT roles. Employees enjoy a dynamic work environment with good career advancement.


  4. Longenecker & Associates, Inc.
    Average Salary: $111,245
    Longenecker & Associates, Inc. focuses on industrial and civil engineering. They offer competitive salaries and benefits for their skilled professionals.


  5. Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC
    Average Salary: $106,432
    Edgewater Technical Associates, LLC provides technical services with a focus on engineering. They offer good pay for their experienced staff.


  6. Pinnacle Specialty Group, Inc.
    Average Salary: $104,677
    Pinnacle Specialty Group, Inc. provides specialty engineering services. They offer good compensation and benefits for their technical staff.


  7. Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
    Average Salary: $93,971
    Savannah River Nuclear Solutions offers jobs related to nuclear technology. They pay well and provide valuable career growth opportunities.


  8. OLH Inc.
    Average Salary: $92,738
    OLH Inc. provides engineering and consulting services. They offer a good salary and benefits for their technical staff.


  9. E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc.
    Average Salary: $89,915
    E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. provides engineering consulting services. They offer good pay and benefits for their experienced engineers.


  10. Rolls-Royce
    Average Salary: $89,039
    Rolls-Royce offers high-paying jobs in engineering and manufacturing. They provide good benefits and opportunities for career growth.

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

Aiken, SC, shows a relatively affordable cost of living when compared to the nationwide average. The city's cost of living index stands at 90, which is 10% below the nationwide average of 100. Specifically, Aiken excels in housing and utilities, with indices of 85 and 95, respectively, making it an attractive option for job seekers looking for lower living expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Aiken, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 8% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

The cost of living in Aiken, SC, offers a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, with the index set at 100. Aiken residents enjoy a notably lower housing cost, with an index of 85. This means housing expenses in Aiken are 15% less than the national average. For job seekers, this reduction can mean greater affordability and more disposable income for other essentials.


Aiken also provides savings in miscellaneous costs, with an index of 88. This represents a 12% decrease from the national average, offering additional savings opportunities. Groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare costs in Aiken hover close to the national average, with indexes of 92, 95, 90, and 98, respectively. This consistency ensures that residents do not face unexpected spikes in these vital areas, maintaining a balanced and predictable cost of living.

There are 708 job openings in Aiken, SC, today!

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Aiken, SC
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