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What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $60,493 per year.

Charleston, SC, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Charleston is $60,493. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city, which includes sectors like healthcare, education, and tourism. Many professionals find rewarding positions that match their skills and experience.


Salaries in Charleston vary by industry. The top-paying sectors include healthcare, where professionals earn an average of $184,182 per year. Education and finance also offer strong salaries, with averages around $168,364 and $152,545 respectively. These figures highlight the potential for career growth and financial stability in Charleston. Job seekers can find a range of opportunities that align with their career goals and financial aspirations.

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What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $273,432. Nurse Practitioners, Solar Sales Representatives, and Counselors also earn above-average incomes. These roles provide both financial rewards and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community. For those with specialized skills, positions like Pharmacist, Controller, and Software Engineer offer competitive salaries. Independent Contractors, MRI Technologists, and Systems Engineers also find good earning potential in Charleston. These jobs attract professionals who value both job security and the chance to advance in their careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $273,432 and Systems Engineer with the lowest at $106,489.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $273,432
    Doctors in Charleston work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat patients. They often work with local healthcare providers.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $143,075
    Nurse Practitioners in Charleston provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. They often collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $142,921
    Solar Sales Representatives in Charleston sell solar energy systems. They work with homeowners and businesses. They often partner with local solar companies.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Counselor
    Average Salary: $130,222
    Counselors in Charleston help people with personal and emotional issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They often collaborate with other mental health professionals.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $126,772
    Pharmacists in Charleston fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They often partner with local doctors and clinics.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Controller
    Average Salary: $118,329
    Controllers in Charleston manage financial operations. They work in various industries. They often collaborate with finance teams and executives.
    Find Controller jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $117,447
    Independent Contractors in Charleston offer services to clients. They work in various fields. They often manage their own schedules and projects.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,255
    Software Engineers in Charleston develop software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. They often collaborate with other developers and IT professionals.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $109,983
    MRI Technologists in Charleston operate MRI machines. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They often collaborate with radiologists and other medical professionals.
    Find MRI Technologist jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $106,489
    Systems Engineers in Charleston design and maintain computer systems. They work in various industries. They often collaborate with IT teams and other engineers.
    Find Systems 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 require a college degree. Canvassers and kitchen managers lead the list with average salaries over $64,000. These roles provide opportunities for those seeking good pay without the need for a degree. Other top-paying jobs in Charleston include concrete finishers, irrigation technicians, and restaurant managers, all earning over $48,000 annually. These positions offer stable income and the chance to gain valuable experience. Job seekers can find rewarding careers in these fields, with many opportunities for growth and advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $65,529 and Lawn Care Technician with the lowest at $40,435.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $65,529
    Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information. They work for local businesses and political campaigns. This role involves meeting new people and learning about the community.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $64,875
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff and ensure food is prepared safely. They work in restaurants and cater to a variety of customers. This role requires strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,533
    Concrete finishers spread and smooth concrete for construction projects. They work with construction companies and on various sites. This role involves physical labor and working outdoors.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $48,543
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for landscaping companies and on residential and commercial properties. This role requires knowledge of plumbing and irrigation systems.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $48,163
    Restaurant managers oversee restaurant operations and staff. They work in restaurants and ensure a positive dining experience. This role involves managing budgets and customer service.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $45,472
    Ice cream vendors sell ice cream and other treats at events and public places. They work for ice cream companies and at festivals. This role involves interacting with customers and managing sales.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,490
    Seafood team members prepare and serve seafood dishes. They work in seafood restaurants and cater to a variety of customers. This role involves working in a fast-paced environment and handling food safely.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $41,636
    Loader operators move materials using machinery. They work in construction and logistics companies. This role requires operating heavy machinery and following safety protocols.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $41,376
    Servers take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. They work in restaurants and cater to a variety of customers. This role involves interacting with customers and working in a fast-paced environment.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $40,435
    Lawn care technicians maintain lawns and gardens. They work for landscaping companies and on residential and commercial properties. This role involves using tools and equipment to care for lawns.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a range of companies with competitive salaries. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command leads with an average salary of $114,754. Other top-paying companies include CyberCoders at $109,145 and SAIC at $108,934. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making Charleston an appealing location for job seekers. Service Experts, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Quality Wheels Inc also offer salaries above $100,000. Companies like gpac, FUSION Medical Staffing, OneStaff Medical, and Supplemental Health Care provide solid salaries, ranging from $86,473 to $95,221.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Naval Information Warfare Systems Command with the highest at $114,754 and Supplemental Health Care with the lowest at $86,473.
  1. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $114,754
    This organization works with the U.S. Navy to develop and maintain information systems. They offer a competitive salary and benefits.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $109,145
    CyberCoders is a staffing agency that connects job seekers with tech companies. They offer a high average salary for tech positions.


  3. SAIC
    Average Salary: $108,934
    SAIC provides technology and management services to the government. They offer a strong salary and benefits package.


  4. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $105,932
    Quality Wheels Inc manufactures and distributes wheels. They offer competitive salaries and a positive work environment.


  5. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $103,859
    Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm that works with the government. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  6. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $95,221
    Service Experts provides HVAC, plumbing, and electrical services. They offer a fair salary and opportunities for growth.


  7. gpac
    Average Salary: $92,549
    gpac is a staffing agency that connects job seekers with a variety of companies. They offer a good salary and benefits.


  8. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $89,759
    FUSION Medical Staffing provides healthcare staffing services. They offer a fair salary and benefits.


  9. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $89,323
    OneStaff Medical provides healthcare staffing services. They offer a fair salary and benefits.


  10. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $86,473
    Supplemental Health Care provides healthcare staffing services. They offer a fair salary and benefits.

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

Charleston, SC, has a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Charleston stands at 103, which is 3% higher than the national average of 100. Housing costs in Charleston are notably higher, with an index of 118, indicating a 18% increase over the national average. This suggests that potential residents should consider these factors when planning their budget.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 18% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 0% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 2% higher.

Charleston, SC, has a cost of living index that is notably higher than the nationwide average in several key areas. Housing costs in Charleston stand at 118, which is 18% higher than the national average. This means that housing expenses in Charleston are significantly more expensive compared to other areas in the country. Similarly, groceries in Charleston are priced at 105, reflecting a 5% increase over the national average. This indicates that residents will spend slightly more on food items than the average American.


Transportation costs in Charleston, however, are slightly lower than the national average, with an index of 95. This represents a 5% decrease, offering some relief to those who need to commute. Healthcare costs in Charleston are also below the national average, with an index of 90, which is a 10% reduction. This could be a positive factor for those considering relocation. Additionally, the cost of miscellaneous items in Charleston is at 102, which is just 2% higher than the national average. Overall, while Charleston has higher costs in some areas, it also offers savings in others, making it a balanced consideration for potential residents.

There are 4,253 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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City
Overview
Charleston, SC
4,253 Job Openings