Salaries in Charleston, SC
What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary in Charleston is around $58,823. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary based on the job sector and experience level.
Here are some salary ranges for different job sectors in Charleston:
- Information Technology: $41,818 to $105,091
- Healthcare: $26,000 to $89,273
- Education: $21,750 to $73,455
- Finance: $35,540 to $120,909
- Retail: $14,780 to $57,636
What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

-
Physician
Average Salary: $256,525
Doctors in Charleston work in hospitals and clinics. They provide medical care and treatment. They often work with local healthcare providers.
Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Solar Sales Representative
Average Salary: $171,205
Solar sales reps work with companies like SolarCity. They sell solar energy systems. They educate customers on the benefits of solar power.
Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $140,353
Nurse practitioners work in clinics and hospitals. They provide primary and specialty care. They often work with local healthcare providers.
Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Pharmacist
Average Salary: $125,199
Pharmacists work in pharmacies. They fill prescriptions and advise patients. They often work with local pharmacies and hospitals.
Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Counselor
Average Salary: $122,420
Counselors work in schools and private practices. They help people with mental health issues. They often work with local schools and healthcare providers.
Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Controller
Average Salary: $111,095
Controllers work in companies like Boeing. They manage finances and budgets. They ensure the company runs smoothly.
Find Controller jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Independent Contractor
Average Salary: $109,954
Independent contractors work on their own. They offer services like writing or consulting. They often work with local businesses.
Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Software Engineer
Average Salary: $109,912
Software engineers work in tech companies. They design and develop software. They often work with local tech firms.
Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $108,592
Systems engineers work in tech companies. They design and maintain systems. They often work with local tech firms.
Find Systems Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Attorney
Average Salary: $105,629
Attorneys work in law firms. They provide legal advice and represent clients. They often work with local law firms.
Find Attorney jobs in Charleston, SC
What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC without a degree?

-
Canvasser
Average Salary: $75,126
Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information. They work for political campaigns, market research firms, and non-profit organizations. This role involves meeting new people and learning about their views.
Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $57,513
Kitchen managers oversee daily operations in a restaurant. They ensure food is prepared safely and on time. This position requires strong leadership and teamwork skills. It involves working with chefs and kitchen staff.
Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Ice Cream Vendor
Average Salary: $52,827
Ice cream vendors sell ice cream and other treats at events and public places. They manage their own small business. This role is great for those who enjoy interacting with customers and working outdoors.
Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $47,872
Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for landscaping companies and golf courses. This job involves using tools and understanding how water systems work.
Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $47,744
Concrete finishers shape and smooth concrete for buildings and roads. They work on construction sites. This role requires physical strength and attention to detail. It involves working with cement and various tools.
Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Terminal Operator
Average Salary: $47,168
Terminal operators manage the loading and unloading of ships. They work at ports and harbors. This job involves coordinating with drivers and ensuring cargo is handled safely. It requires good communication skills.
Find Terminal Operator jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $46,380
Restaurant managers oversee the day-to-day operations of a restaurant. They ensure customers have a great experience. This role involves managing staff, handling finances, and maintaining high standards. It requires strong leadership and customer service skills.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Server
Average Salary: $41,478
Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in a fast-paced environment. This job requires excellent communication and teamwork skills. It involves interacting with customers and working with kitchen staff.
Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Seafood Team Member
Average Salary: $41,374
Seafood team members prepare and serve seafood dishes. They work in restaurants and seafood markets. This role involves following recipes and ensuring food quality. It requires attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.
Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $41,315
Lawn care technicians maintain lawns and gardens. They work for landscaping companies and private clients. This job involves using tools and understanding plant care. It requires physical strength and a keen eye for detail.
Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Charleston, SC
Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

-
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
Average Salary: $113,760
This government agency focuses on naval information warfare systems. It offers competitive salaries and benefits.
-
SAIC
Average Salary: $108,922
SAIC provides technology solutions to government agencies. It is known for its strong compensation packages.
-
US Department of Veterans Affairs
Average Salary: $108,666
This department supports veterans and their families. It offers a range of benefits and competitive pay.
-
CyberCoders
Average Salary: $107,219
CyberCoders is a tech staffing firm. It places professionals in high-paying roles.
-
Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $100,693
Booz Allen Hamilton offers consulting services. It is known for its strong salary and benefits.
-
Service Experts
Average Salary: $96,793
Service Experts provides HVAC services. It offers good pay and opportunities for growth.
-
Jobot
Average Salary: $95,588
Jobot is a staffing agency. It connects professionals with high-paying jobs.
-
gpac
Average Salary: $91,441
gpac is a staffing firm specializing in various industries. It offers competitive salaries.
-
FUSION Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $91,078
FUSION Medical Staffing provides healthcare staffing solutions. It offers good pay and benefits.
-
OneStaff Medical
Average Salary: $90,856
OneStaff Medical offers staffing for healthcare professionals. It provides competitive salaries.
How does the cost of living in Charleston, SC compare to the national average?

Charleston, SC, has a cost of living that varies across different categories when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Charleston stand at 120, which is 20% higher than the national average. This means that expenses related to renting or buying a home in Charleston are significantly higher. For groceries, Charleston's index is 95, indicating a 5% lower cost compared to the national average. This can be a slight relief for those budgeting for food.
Utilities in Charleston are at 102, which is 2% higher than the nationwide average. This small increase might add a bit more to monthly expenses, though it remains relatively close to the average. Transportation costs are 110, which is 10% higher than the average. This increase can impact daily commutes and overall travel expenses. Healthcare costs are slightly lower in Charleston, with an index of 93, which is 7% below the national average. This can be beneficial for those planning their healthcare budgets. Miscellaneous costs are at 105, which is 5% higher than the average, reflecting a minor increase in other daily expenses. Overall, Charleston's cost of living shows a mix of higher and lower expenses compared to the national average, offering both challenges and benefits for residents.