Salaries in Charleston, SC

Updated on May 09, 2025
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Salary

What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $64,509 per year.

The job market in Charleston, SC, offers a range of salary opportunities. The average salary for jobs in the area is around $64,509. This figure provides a good benchmark for job seekers. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and role.


Here are some average salary figures for different job sectors in Charleston:

  • 10th percentile: $26,000
  • 25th percentile: $41,818
  • 50th percentile: $73,455
  • 75th percentile: $105,091
  • 90th percentile: $152,545
  • 95th percentile: $168,364
  • 99th percentile: $200,000
These figures show the range of earnings potential in various positions. Job seekers can use this information to set realistic expectations and target roles that match their skills and experience.

View jobs in Charleston, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of over $256,000. Solar Sales Representatives also earn a strong income, averaging around $172,000 annually. Other top-paying roles include Nurse Practitioners, Pharmacists, and Counselors, all earning over $100,000 per year. These positions reflect Charleston's strong demand for skilled professionals in healthcare and technology. Job seekers can find rewarding careers with competitive salaries in these fields.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $256,871 and Architect with the lowest at $105,007.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $256,871
    Doctors in Charleston work in hospitals and clinics. They provide medical care to patients. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They work with a team of healthcare professionals.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $172,267
    Solar sales representatives sell solar energy systems. They work with homeowners and businesses. They explain the benefits of solar energy. They help customers save on energy costs.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $138,897
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They prescribe medications and order tests.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $124,725
    Pharmacists work in pharmacies. They fill prescriptions and provide medication information. They work with doctors and patients. They ensure safe and effective medication use.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Counselor
    Average Salary: $122,420
    Counselors help people with emotional and mental health issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They provide therapy and support. They help clients cope with challenges.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $110,121
    Software engineers design and develop software. They work in tech companies. They write code and test software. They ensure software runs smoothly and efficiently.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $109,643
    Systems engineers design and manage computer systems. They work in various industries. They ensure systems run smoothly. They troubleshoot and resolve issues.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $109,372
    Independent contractors work on a freelance basis. They offer services to clients. They manage their own schedules. They can work in many different fields.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Controller
    Average Salary: $108,924
    Controllers manage financial operations. They work in companies of all sizes. They prepare budgets and financial reports. They ensure financial accuracy and compliance.
    Find Controller jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Architect
    Average Salary: $105,007
    Architects design buildings and structures. They work in architecture firms. They create plans and drawings. They ensure buildings are safe and functional.
    Find Architect 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 degree. Canvassers, who gather information for surveys, earn a median salary of $75,126. Kitchen managers, overseeing restaurant kitchens, earn $54,562. These roles provide good pay and valuable experience. Other top-paying jobs include ice cream vendors, irrigation technicians, and concrete finishers. These positions also offer competitive salaries and opportunities for growth. Job seekers in Charleston can find rewarding careers without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $75,126 and Lawn Care Technician with the lowest at $41,315.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $75,126
    This job involves talking to people to gather information. It is often done for market research. Companies like Survey Sampling International and Research Now SSI hire canvassers.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $54,562
    This role is about overseeing kitchen staff and operations. It requires strong organizational skills. Restaurants like The Ordinary and The Grocery offer kitchen manager positions.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $52,827
    This job involves selling ice cream and other treats. It is often seasonal. Vendors work for companies like Cold Stone Creamery and Ben & Jerry's.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,703
    This role involves installing and maintaining irrigation systems. It requires knowledge of plumbing and landscaping. Companies like Sprinkler Warehouse and Irrigation Associates hire technicians.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $47,664
    This job involves smoothing and finishing concrete. It requires physical strength and attention to detail. Companies like Carolina Ready Mix and Southern Concrete hire finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $47,168
    This role involves operating machinery to load and unload cargo. It requires knowledge of safety procedures. Companies like Port of Charleston and Maersk hire terminal operators.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $46,156
    This role involves overseeing restaurant operations. It requires strong leadership and customer service skills. Restaurants like The Ordinary and The Grocery offer manager positions.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $41,339
    This job involves preparing and serving seafood dishes. It requires knowledge of food safety and customer service. Seafood restaurants like The Ordinary and The Grocery hire team members.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $41,337
    This role involves taking orders and serving food and drinks. It requires strong communication skills. Restaurants like The Ordinary and The Grocery hire servers.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $41,315
    This job involves maintaining lawns and gardens. It requires knowledge of landscaping and safety procedures. Companies like TruGreen and Lawn Doctor hire technicians.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. The top companies in the area include Matt O'Neill Real Estate, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command, and SAIC. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive options for job seekers. Matt O'Neill Real Estate leads with an average salary of $117,184. Following closely are Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and SAIC, with salaries around $113,760 and $109,610, respectively. These figures highlight the strong earning potential available in Charleston for those seeking rewarding careers.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Matt O'Neill Real Estate with the highest at $117,184 and OneStaff Medical with the lowest at $90,241.
  1. Matt O'Neill Real Estate
    Average Salary: $117,184
    Matt O'Neill Real Estate is a leading real estate company in Charleston. They offer a variety of services and have a strong reputation for excellence.


  2. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $113,760
    This government agency provides information warfare systems for the Navy. They focus on technology and defense, offering competitive salaries.


  3. SAIC
    Average Salary: $109,610
    SAIC is a major technology company that works with government agencies. They offer a range of services and have a strong reputation in the industry.


  4. US Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $108,522
    The Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare and benefits to veterans. They offer stable employment and good compensation.


  5. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $107,219
    CyberCoders is a tech recruitment company. They specialize in placing tech professionals and offer competitive salaries.


  6. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $100,569
    Booz Allen Hamilton is a consulting firm that works with government and private sectors. They offer a variety of services and good pay.


  7. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $96,782
    Service Experts provides HVAC services. They are known for their quality service and offer good compensation to their employees.


  8. Jobot
    Average Salary: $95,588
    Jobot is a recruitment agency that helps people find jobs. They offer competitive salaries and a variety of job opportunities.


  9. gpac
    Average Salary: $91,415
    gpac is a staffing agency that places professionals in various industries. They offer good pay and a variety of job opportunities.


  10. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $90,241
    OneStaff Medical is a staffing agency that specializes in healthcare. They offer good compensation and a variety of job opportunities.

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

Charleston, SC, offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Charleston is 94, which is 6% below the national average of 100. This makes Charleston an attractive option for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without significant compromises in quality. Specifically, housing costs in Charleston are 8% below the national average, while groceries are 5% below. Utilities and miscellaneous costs are also slightly lower, at 2% and 3% below the national average, respectively. Transportation costs are 10% lower, and healthcare costs are on par with the national average. This balanced distribution makes Charleston a cost-effective choice for many job seekers.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 2% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

Charleston, SC, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The housing index in Charleston stands at 92, which is 8% lower than the national average of 100. This suggests that housing costs in Charleston are more affordable for residents and job seekers compared to the rest of the country.


Other expenses in Charleston also reflect a similar trend. For instance, groceries cost 95, which is 5% below the national average. The transportation index is at 90, indicating a 10% lower cost compared to the nationwide average. Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are slightly above the national average, with indices of 98 and 97, respectively. Healthcare costs remain consistent with the national average at 100. Overall, Charleston provides a cost-effective living environment for many essential expenses.

There are 5,612 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Charleston, SC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Charleston, SC
5,612 Job Openings