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What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $59,992 per year.

Charleston, SC, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. People in Charleston can earn a decent income, with an average yearly salary of $59,992. The job market here includes a mix of roles with different pay scales. Most positions fall within the mid-range salary bracket. This provides many options for job seekers looking to secure a stable income.

Some of the highest-paying jobs in Charleston include roles in management, healthcare, and finance. These fields often offer salaries above the average. For example, healthcare professionals can earn between $84,545 and $128,455 yearly. Finance and management positions range from $99,182 to $172,364 annually. Entry-level roles may start at around $26,000, while highly skilled positions can reach up to $187,000. This range allows job seekers to find roles that match their skills and experience levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC offers a variety of high-paying jobs for professionals across different fields. Physicians lead the pack with an average salary of $282,420, making it one of the top-paying positions. Other well-compensated roles include Owner Operator and Paramedic, with average salaries of $249,891 and $204,582, respectively. For those with specialized skills, jobs such as Nurse Practitioner and Counselor offer competitive pay, with average salaries around $144,574 and $138,987. Pharmacists, Independent Contractors, and Solar Sales Representatives also enjoy high earnings, with average salaries ranging from $126,269 to $127,389. Charleston provides excellent opportunities for those in technical fields, with Software Engineers and MRI Technologists earning around $114,393 and $112,977, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $282,420 and Software Engineer with the lowest at $112,977.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $282,420
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. In Charleston, they work with healthcare providers like Roper St. Francis. The city offers a high quality of life with its beautiful weather and coastal culture.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $249,891
    Owner operators run their own businesses, often in logistics or transportation. Charleston’s port and business environment provide great opportunities. They manage their schedules and work independently.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $204,582
    Paramedics respond to medical emergencies and provide critical care. They work for EMS providers in Charleston, facing fast-paced situations. The job requires quick thinking and compassion.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $144,574
    Nurse practitioners offer primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals throughout Charleston. The role requires empathy and strong communication skills.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Counselor
    Average Salary: $138,987
    Counselors help individuals with mental health and personal issues. They work in private practices or community centers in Charleston. This role needs a deep understanding of human behavior.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $127,389
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies across Charleston. This job involves knowledge of medications and patient care.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $126,269
    Independent contractors provide specialized services. In Charleston, they may work in IT, marketing, or design. The job offers flexibility but requires self-management.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $125,680
    Solar sales reps promote renewable energy solutions. They work for companies like Sunrun. Charleston’s sunny climate boosts the demand for solar services.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $114,393
    MRI technologists operate imaging equipment. They work in hospitals and clinics. The job demands precision and a calm demeanor.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,977
    Software engineers design and develop applications. They work with tech companies in Charleston. This role requires strong problem-solving skills and technical knowledge.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC

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

Charleston, SC offers several high-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. Kitchen managers earn the highest wages, with an average salary of $67,588. Other good choices include restaurant managers, canvassers, and irrigation technicians, all of which pay well. Loader operators, high reach operators, and seafood team members also provide steady income. Each of these roles pays over $40,000 a year. These jobs require some experience or training, but they do not need a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Manager with the highest at $67,588 and High Reach Operator with the lowest at $40,537.
  1. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $67,588
    This role oversees kitchen operations. It involves managing staff and ensuring food safety. Well-known companies in Charleston hire for these positions.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,502
    It involves overseeing a restaurant’s daily operations. The manager schedules staff and handles customer service. Local restaurants offer many opportunities.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,473
    This involves collecting data and signatures. It requires walking around neighborhoods. Local businesses often seek canvassers for various projects.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $46,735
    They install and maintain irrigation systems. It requires knowledge of water systems. Landscaping companies often hire for these roles.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $46,175
    This role serves ice cream and other treats. It requires excellent customer service skills. Many Charleston events need ice cream vendors.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $44,850
    They prepare and finish concrete surfaces. This role requires physical strength and attention to detail. Construction sites often need finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,474
    It involves preparing and serving seafood dishes. The role demands knowledge of seafood. Local seafood restaurants offer these opportunities.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $41,333
    They load and unload materials. It requires handling heavy equipment. Warehouses and distribution centers need loader operators.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $41,279
    They take orders and serve food to customers. It requires good communication skills. Restaurants in Charleston frequently hire servers.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. High Reach Operator
    Average Salary: $40,537
    They lift and move heavy objects to high places. It needs physical strength and safety awareness. Construction and warehouse jobs often seek operators.
    Find High Reach Operator jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers numerous opportunities for job seekers looking for higher salaries. Among the top employers are Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, CyberCoders, and Booz Allen Hamilton. These companies stand out with their competitive pay, providing a solid financial foundation for employees. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command leads with an average salary of $115,462, followed closely by CyberCoders at $113,416 and Booz Allen Hamilton at $104,143. These figures highlight the lucrative options available for professionals in Charleston, making it an attractive destination for career growth.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Naval Information Warfare Systems Command with the highest at $115,462 and LifeStance Health with the lowest at $84,677.
  1. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $115,462
    This is a federal organization that offers many jobs in Charleston. They focus on making sure the Navy can use technology to stay safe and strong.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $113,416
    CyberCoders helps people find jobs in technology. They connect job seekers with companies that need tech skills.


  3. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $104,143
    This company offers many jobs in consulting. They work with governments and businesses to solve problems.


  4. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $103,868
    Quality Wheels makes wheels for cars. They have jobs for people who like working with their hands.


  5. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $96,234
    This company helps people with their heating and cooling needs. They offer many jobs for sales and service.


  6. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $89,609
    FUSION Medical helps hospitals find the staff they need. They offer jobs for nurses and other healthcare workers.


  7. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $88,748
    OneStaff Medical helps find jobs for nurses and other healthcare workers. They work with hospitals and clinics.


  8. The MIL Corporation
    Average Salary: $88,428
    The MIL Corporation offers jobs in aviation. They work with airports and airlines.


  9. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $87,117
    Supplemental Health Care helps find jobs for nurses and other healthcare workers. They work with hospitals and clinics.


  10. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $84,677
    LifeStance Health offers jobs for mental health professionals. They help people with their emotional and mental health needs.

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

Charleston, SC, has a cost of living slightly below the nationwide average. The cost of living index for Charleston is 99.5, reflecting a near-average overall cost. Housing costs are at 98, making them 2% below the national average. Groceries in Charleston, however, are slightly higher at 105, indicating a 5% increase. Utilities stand at 92, which is 8% less than the average. Transportation costs are at 97, just 3% below average, while healthcare and miscellaneous costs closely match the national average at 102 and 101, respectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 2% lower, groceries 5% higher, utilities 8% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 1% higher.

The cost of living in Charleston, SC, offers a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. For housing, Charleston stands slightly below this benchmark with an index of 98, indicating that housing costs are about 2% less than the national average. This can be a significant benefit for job seekers looking to settle in Charleston, potentially freeing up some budget for other necessities or savings.


When examining other key areas, Charleston fares well in groceries and healthcare, where the cost of living index is 105 and 102, respectively. This means that groceries are about 5% more expensive, while healthcare costs are approximately 2% above the average. Utilities in Charleston are notably cheaper, with an index of 92, representing an 8% decrease from the national average. Transportation costs also lean slightly below average at 97, which is a 3% reduction. Miscellaneous expenses are nearly on par with the nationwide average at 101, suggesting a negligible change. Overall, Charleston presents a cost of living that is competitive and slightly advantageous for various expenses, making it an appealing option for professional job seekers.

There are 4,226 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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

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City
Overview
Charleston, SC
4,226 Job Openings