What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC, offers a range of salary options across different job sectors. Professionals in Charleston can expect a variety of income levels. The average yearly salary in Charleston stands at $61,245. This figure reflects the diverse job market available in the area.
The salary distribution in Charleston varies significantly across sectors. Top-paying jobs include health care, management, and professional roles. A smaller percentage of people earn salaries in the highest brackets. Most positions fall in the middle range, offering competitive pay. This range makes Charleston an attractive place for job seekers looking for stable incomes. Understanding these salary levels can help job seekers make informed choices about where to focus their job search.
What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

-
Physician
Average Salary: $291,334
Physicians in Charleston diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals, private practices, and clinics. The city has leading healthcare facilities like MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Owner Operator
Average Salary: $248,928
Owner operators manage their own businesses. They often run logistics or transportation companies. Many of these entrepreneurs have their own fleets serving businesses across the region.
Find Owner Operator jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Paramedic
Average Salary: $224,401
Paramedics provide urgent medical care to patients. They work for emergency services or private ambulance companies. Charleston's large population needs reliable paramedics.
Find Paramedic jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $143,823
Nurse practitioners offer primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Charleston's healthcare system values their skills in patient care.
Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Independent Contractor
Average Salary: $141,484
Independent contractors offer services in various fields. They might do construction, legal work, or consulting. Many contractors in Charleston enjoy flexible schedules and steady work.
Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Pharmacist
Average Salary: $125,814
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Charleston has several pharmacy chains and independent drugstores.
Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Attorney
Average Salary: $118,493
Attorneys represent clients in legal matters. They might work for law firms or corporate legal departments. Charleston has many firms offering opportunities for legal professionals.
Find Attorney jobs in Charleston, SC
-
MRI Technologist
Average Salary: $116,879
MRI technologists operate imaging equipment. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. Their skills help doctors diagnose and treat patients effectively.
Find MRI Technologist jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $113,141
Sales representatives sell products or services. They visit clients to promote goods. Many sales reps in Charleston work for local businesses and firms.
Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Software Engineer
Average Salary: $113,051
Software engineers design and develop software. They work for tech companies and startups. Charleston has a growing tech scene with many job opportunities.
Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC
What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC without a degree?

-
Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $66,088
This role ensures the smooth operation of the kitchen. It involves overseeing cooks and kitchen staff. It requires excellent organizational skills. Companies like The Ordinary and Charleston Grill offer this job.
Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Ice Cream Vendor
Average Salary: $53,509
Selling ice cream and other treats to customers. This job involves setting up carts or stalls. It demands a friendly and outgoing personality. Vendors often work for companies like Cold Stone Creamery or local fairs.
Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $51,327
Managing all aspects of a restaurant. This includes overseeing staff and ensuring customer satisfaction. It requires strong leadership skills. Popular chains include Chick-fil-A and local restaurants.
Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $46,135
Installing and maintaining irrigation systems. This job requires knowledge of landscaping. It involves working for landscape companies and gardening centers. It ensures proper watering of plants and lawns.
Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Landscaper
Average Salary: $43,762
Creating and maintaining outdoor spaces. This includes planting trees and shrubs. It requires physical stamina and attention to detail. It involves working for local landscaping firms and gardening centers.
Find Landscaper jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $43,471
Smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. This job involves working on construction sites. It requires manual labor and attention to detail. Companies often hire for residential and commercial projects.
Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Canvasser
Average Salary: $42,265
Collecting payments and distributing materials. This job involves door-to-door visits. It requires good communication skills. It often involves working for companies that manage collections and deliveries.
Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Server
Average Salary: $41,772
Taking orders and serving food to customers. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment. It requires excellent customer service skills. Popular places to work include restaurants and cafes.
Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Loader Operator
Average Salary: $41,692
Loading and unloading materials. This job involves operating machinery. It requires physical strength and attention to detail. It often involves working for logistics and construction companies.
Find Loader Operator jobs in Charleston, SC
-
Food Service Aide
Average Salary: $40,462
Assisting cooks and kitchen staff. This role involves preparing food and cleaning. It requires basic kitchen skills. It often involves working in restaurants and cafeterias.
Find Food Service Aide jobs in Charleston, SC
Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

-
Siemens Healthineers
Average Salary: $147,043
Siemens Healthineers provides healthcare solutions. They focus on medical technology. They offer high salaries to attract top talent.
-
Booz Allen Hamilton
Average Salary: $105,388
Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm. They work with government and businesses. They pay well for their specialized services.
-
American Traveler
Average Salary: $102,671
American Traveler helps with healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare workers with jobs. They offer competitive pay.
-
Dave Friedman Team
Average Salary: $99,916
Dave Friedman Team is a real estate company. They help with buying and selling homes. Their salaries are strong.
-
Service Experts
Average Salary: $96,999
Service Experts provide home services. They offer HVAC, plumbing, and more. Their workers earn good wages.
-
ATC Healthcare
Average Salary: $93,695
ATC Healthcare focuses on healthcare staffing. They place healthcare professionals in jobs. They pay fairly well.
-
The MIL Corporation
Average Salary: $89,963
The MIL Corporation provides IT services. They work with businesses to improve their technology. Their salaries are solid.
-
FUSION Medical Staffing
Average Salary: $89,474
FUSION Medical Staffing helps with healthcare staffing. They find jobs for nurses and other healthcare workers. Their pay is decent.
-
OneStaff Medical
Average Salary: $89,033
OneStaff Medical also focuses on healthcare staffing. They connect healthcare professionals with jobs. Their pay is good.
-
LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $88,840
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They offer counseling and psychiatry. Their workers receive fair compensation.
How does the cost of living in Charleston, SC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Charleston, SC, shows a balanced view when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are slightly higher, with an index of 105. This means housing prices are about 5% more than the national average. People considering a move here should budget for housing costs to be slightly above average.
Other expenses paint a more diverse picture. For groceries, Charleston's cost is 95, which is 5% below the nationwide average. Utilities stand at 98, a mere 2% below the national average. Transportation costs in Charleston are lower, with an index of 90, making them 10% less than the average. These costs can offer some relief for those concerned about overall expenses. Additionally, healthcare costs in Charleston align with the national average at 100, which is a good indicator for those looking at long-term living expenses.



