What is the average salary in Aiken, SC?
Aiken, SC offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area is $64,926. This figure provides a good overview of what job seekers might expect. Salaries vary based on the industry and the specific role.
Here are some of the top industries in Aiken, SC and their average salaries:
- Retail: $22,000
- Healthcare: $37,182
- Manufacturing: $52,364
- Education: $67,545
- Finance: $82,727
- Information Technology: $97,909
- Professional Services: $113,091
- Management: $128,273
- Engineering: $143,455
- Sales: $158,636
- Other: $173,818
What are the best paying jobs in Aiken, SC?

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Principal Engineer
Average Salary: $125,464
This role involves leading engineering projects and teams. It requires strong problem-solving skills and a deep understanding of engineering principles. Companies like Boeing and IBM offer opportunities in this field.
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Project Engineer
Average Salary: $124,982
Project engineers manage and oversee engineering projects. They ensure projects are completed on time and within budget. Local companies like AECOM and Fluor Corporation provide many opportunities.
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Technical Project Lead
Average Salary: $116,505
This position involves guiding technical teams and projects. It requires excellent communication and leadership skills. Companies like IBM and Accenture offer roles for technical project leads.
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Engineer
Average Salary: $111,743
Engineers design, develop, and test products and systems. They work in various industries, from construction to software. Companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin offer engineering positions.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $104,901
Traveling nurses provide care in different locations. They must be adaptable and able to work in various settings. Agencies like Aya Healthcare and TravelNurseSource offer these opportunities.
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Business Analyst
Average Salary: $102,671
Business analysts study and improve business processes. They work with data and stakeholders to find solutions. Companies like IBM and Accenture offer roles for business analysts.
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Insurance Agent
Average Salary: $90,900
Insurance agents help clients find the right coverage. They need to understand policies and customer needs. Companies like Allstate and State Farm offer these positions.
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Speech Language Pathologist
Average Salary: $90,102
These professionals help people with speech and language disorders. They work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. Organizations like Encompass Health and Select Medical offer these roles.
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Occupational Therapist
Average Salary: $87,506
Occupational therapists help people improve their daily activities. They work with patients of all ages. Companies like Encompass Health and Select Medical offer these positions.
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Registered Nurse
Average Salary: $80,041
Registered nurses provide patient care and support. They work in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Organizations like Prisma Health and Bon Secours offer nursing roles.
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What are the best paying jobs in Aiken, SC without a degree?

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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $49,376
Manage daily operations of a restaurant. Oversee staff, ensure customer satisfaction, and handle finances. Work in local eateries like The Bistro or The Grill.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $37,288
Cut and package meat for customers. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops. Ensure quality and safety standards are met. Companies like Publix and local butchers offer these roles.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $33,418
Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. Plant flowers, trim trees, and mow lawns. Work for landscaping companies or directly for homeowners. Local businesses often need these services.
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Server
Average Salary: $32,724
Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. Work in restaurants and cafes. Ensure a pleasant dining experience. Popular spots include local diners and cafes.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $32,305
Oversee kitchen staff and operations. Ensure food quality and safety. Manage inventory and schedules. Work in busy restaurants and cafes in the area.
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Barista
Average Salary: $29,187
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Work in coffee shops. Ensure customer satisfaction. Popular coffee shops include local chains and independent cafes.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $29,062
Maintain the grounds of properties. Mow lawns, trim shrubs, and clean up debris. Work in parks, schools, and private properties. Local government and private companies offer these jobs.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $27,594
Prepare ingredients and cook food in a restaurant kitchen. Work quickly and efficiently. Ensure food is cooked to perfection. Work in busy restaurants and cafes.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $26,898
Clean and maintain rooms in hotels or residential properties. Ensure a clean and welcoming environment. Work in hotels, motels, and private homes. Local hospitality businesses offer these roles.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $26,443
Assist in kitchen tasks such as food preparation and dishwashing. Work in a fast-paced environment. Ensure smooth kitchen operations. Work in local restaurants and cafes.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Aiken, SC?

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Fluor Corp.
Average Salary: $140,369
Fluor Corp. is a leading global engineering, procurement, construction, and maintenance company. They work on projects in energy, chemicals, mining, and government sectors. Their Aiken location offers a variety of opportunities with competitive salaries.
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Omega Technical Services
Average Salary: $115,570
Omega Technical Services provides technical and engineering services to government and commercial clients. They focus on delivering high-quality solutions and have a reputation for providing good compensation to their employees.
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Longenecker & Associates
Average Salary: $107,605
Longenecker & Associates is a civil engineering firm that offers a range of services including transportation, water resources, and environmental engineering. They are known for their strong employee benefits and competitive salaries.
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Edgewater Technical Associates
Average Salary: $105,224
Edgewater Technical Associates specializes in engineering, environmental, and technical services. They work on projects for government and commercial clients, providing a stable work environment with good salaries.
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Pinnacle Specialty Group
Average Salary: $103,021
Pinnacle Specialty Group offers a variety of services including engineering, environmental, and technical consulting. They are known for their commitment to employee development and offer competitive pay.
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E2 CONSULTING ENGINEERS, INC.
Average Salary: $95,976
E2 Consulting Engineers, Inc. provides engineering and consulting services to government and commercial clients. They focus on delivering quality work and offer good compensation to their employees.
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Savannah River Nuclear Solutions
Average Salary: $83,936
Savannah River Nuclear Solutions is a key player in the nuclear industry, providing services related to nuclear operations and maintenance. They offer a stable work environment with competitive salaries.
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Amedisys
Average Salary: $82,539
Amedisys is a leading provider of home health, hospice, and palliative care services. They are committed to providing high-quality care and offer good compensation to their employees.
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BAE Systems USA
Average Salary: $72,357
BAE Systems USA is a global defense, security, and aerospace company. They offer a variety of career opportunities in Aiken, providing competitive salaries and benefits.
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ACT-1 Government
Average Salary: $71,444
ACT-1 Government provides technical and management services to government agencies. They focus on delivering quality solutions and offer good compensation to their employees.
How does the cost of living in Aiken, SC compare to the national average?

Aiken, South Carolina, offers a cost of living that is notably lower than the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Aiken stands at 88, which is 12% below the average of 100. This lower index suggests that residents can expect to spend less on their overall expenses compared to the national average. Housing costs in Aiken are particularly favorable, with an index of 85, meaning residents pay 15% less than the national average for housing.
In addition to housing, other categories such as groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous items also show Aiken's cost of living below the national average. Groceries have an index of 92, utilities at 95, transportation at 90, healthcare at 88, and miscellaneous expenses at 87. Each of these categories indicates that the cost of living in Aiken is more affordable, with savings ranging from 8% to 15% compared to the national average. This makes Aiken an attractive location for those looking to reduce their living expenses while maintaining a good quality of life.



