Overview Salaries

Salaries in Charleston, SC

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $60,101 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $60,101 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $5,008 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $1,156 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $29 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Charleston, SC, offers a diverse range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at $60,101. This figure offers a good benchmark for job seekers looking at the Charleston area.

Here is a look at some of the salary ranges available in different sectors:

  • Education: 33.37% of jobs fall within the $26,000 to $40,682 range.
  • Healthcare: 20.30% of jobs offer salaries from $40,682 to $55,364.
  • Retail: 14.88% of jobs provide salaries from $55,364 to $70,045.
  • Manufacturing: 9.02% of jobs range from $70,045 to $84,727.
  • Finance: 6.30% of jobs offer salaries from $84,727 to $99,409.
  • IT: 4.52% of jobs range from $99,409 to $114,091.
  • Professional Services: 2.43% of jobs provide salaries from $114,091 to $128,773.
  • Engineering: 1.82% of jobs range from $128,773 to $143,455.
  • Construction: 1.17% of jobs offer salaries from $143,455 to $158,136.
  • Real Estate: 0.58% of jobs range from $158,136 to $172,818.
  • Legal: 0.62% of jobs offer salaries from $172,818 to $187,500.

These figures provide a good overview of the salary landscape in Charleston, helping job seekers make informed decisions based on their career goals and qualifications.

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What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a variety of top-paying jobs that can attract job seekers looking for good compensation. Leading the pack is the Physician role, which boasts an average salary of over $280,000. Other high-earning positions include Owner Operators and Paramedics, with average salaries reaching nearly $250,000 and $202,000 respectively. These roles require specific skills and qualifications, making them highly sought after. Nurses, Pharmacists, and Solar Sales Representatives also enjoy competitive salaries, providing a range of career paths with excellent financial rewards. Job seekers with the right training and experience can find rewarding and lucrative positions in Charleston, SC.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $280,134 and MRI Technologist with the lowest at $112,810.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $280,134
    A physician evaluates, diagnoses, and treats patients. They work in hospitals and clinics. Charleston offers many opportunities with medical institutions like MUSC Health.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $250,226
    Owner operators manage their own trucks. They deliver goods and materials. Many local businesses need deliveries, making this a steady career. Local trucking firms offer good benefits.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $201,988
    Paramedics respond to emergencies and provide medical care. They work in ambulances. Charleston has a high demand for paramedics in its emergency services.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $145,876
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in hospitals and clinics. Charleston offers many positions, especially with local healthcare providers.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Counselor
    Average Salary: $135,878
    Counselors help people with personal issues. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. Charleston has many opportunities for those helping others.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $128,031
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies. Charleston offers many positions in local drugstores and hospitals.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $126,694
    Solar sales reps sell solar energy systems. They work for companies like SunPower. Charleston has a growing need for clean energy solutions.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $122,763
    Independent contractors provide services on a freelance basis. They work in many fields. Charleston offers opportunities in construction, IT, and more.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $114,118
    Software engineers design and develop software. They work for tech companies. Charleston has a growing tech scene, offering many software engineering positions.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $112,810
    MRI technologists operate MRI machines. They work in hospitals. Charleston offers many positions in local medical facilities.
    Find MRI Technologist 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. Kitchen Managers earn around $67,700 a year, leading this list. Other top-paying roles include Canvassers, Restaurant Managers, and Concrete Finishers, each offering salaries that exceed $40,000 annually. These jobs provide a good income without needing a degree. Canvassers and Ice Cream Vendors typically start at around $46,000. Seafood Team Members and Servers bring in nearly $43,000. These roles offer steady work in various industries, ensuring job seekers in Charleston can find well-paying employment with practical experience.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Manager with the highest at $67,700 and Food Service Aide with the lowest at $40,588.

  1. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $67,700
    Run the kitchen with efficiency. Manage food prep and staff. Ensure meals meet quality standards. Notable employers include large restaurants and hotels.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $51,100
    Gather opinions from the public. Conduct surveys in various locations. Work for political campaigns or market research firms. Skills in communication are crucial.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,582
    Oversee daily restaurant operations. Manage staff and maintain customer satisfaction. Ensure compliance with health regulations. Employers range from fast food to fine dining.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $48,179
    Smooth and level concrete for roads, sidewalks, and buildings. Operate power tools. Work under supervision. Often employed by construction companies.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $47,636
    Install and maintain irrigation systems. Ensure efficient water use in gardens and fields. Work with landscape companies. Requires basic technical skills.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $46,175
    Sell ice cream at events and locations. Interact with customers. Manage inventory. Ideal for those with a love for sweets. Work for ice cream trucks or events.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $43,090
    Prepare and serve seafood dishes. Maintain a clean work environment. Work in fast-paced settings. Ideal for those who love fresh seafood. Restaurants and seafood markets are common employers.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Server
    Average Salary: $41,577
    Serve food and beverages to customers. Take orders and ensure a pleasant dining experience. Must be friendly and attentive. Common in restaurants and cafes.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $41,333
    Load and unload materials from trucks. Operate machinery safely. Work in warehouses or construction sites. Basic training may be provided.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Food Service Aide
    Average Salary: $40,588
    Assist in food preparation and cleanup. Work in a fast-paced environment. Ensure cleanliness and efficiency. Ideal for those entering the food service industry. Common in cafeterias and food trucks.
    Find Food Service Aide jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, has a number of companies offering competitive salaries. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command leads with an average salary of $115,058 per year. CyberCoders follows closely behind at $112,791 annually. Other top-paying companies in Charleston include Quality Wheels Inc, with an average salary of $105,932, and Booz Allen Hamilton at $103,716 per year. Service Experts, ATC Healthcare, FUSION Medical Staffing, OneStaff Medical, The MIL Corporation, and Supplemental Health Care also offer attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Naval Information Warfare Systems Command with the highest at $115,058 and Supplemental Health Care with the lowest at $86,809.

  1. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $115,058
    Working for this government organization offers competitive pay and opportunities for career growth in technology and engineering fields.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $112,791
    This tech company provides high salaries for IT and software development roles, offering chances to work with leading technologies.


  3. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $105,932
    This firm offers attractive compensation for jobs in manufacturing and quality assurance, with a focus on automotive parts.


  4. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $103,716
    This consulting firm offers competitive salaries in management consulting and technology services, with a focus on national security.


  5. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $94,224
    This company provides high-paying jobs in HVAC services, with a reputation for quality and customer satisfaction.


  6. ATC Healthcare
    Average Salary: $89,829
    ATC Healthcare offers rewarding positions in healthcare staffing, with competitive pay and benefits.


  7. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $89,588
    This staffing agency pays well for roles in nursing and allied health, with a commitment to quality patient care.


  8. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $89,307
    OneStaff Medical provides competitive salaries for healthcare jobs, with a focus on travel nursing and allied health positions.


  9. The MIL Corporation
    Average Salary: $86,956
    This firm offers good pay for jobs in manufacturing and distribution, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and innovation.


  10. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $86,809
    This company pays well for healthcare staffing roles, providing opportunities in nursing and allied health.

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

Charleston, SC, stands out with a cost of living index that closely mirrors the nationwide average in various sectors. Housing in Charleston is slightly below the national average at 98, providing a slight advantage for residents. Groceries, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also reflect minimal differences, with indexes of 95, 95, and 100, respectively. However, utilities and transportation present a different picture. Charleston’s utility costs are higher than the national average at 110, while transportation costs are notably lower at 90. These fluctuations suggest that while some living expenses are competitively priced, others demand greater budgets.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 2% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% higher, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 5% lower, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Charleston, South Carolina, presents a competitive cost of living for job seekers considering a move to the area. When compared to the nationwide average, Charleston's cost of living index stands at 97. This figure reflects a slight decrease from the national average of 100. Housing costs in Charleston are notably lower, with an index of 98, meaning residents can expect to pay about 2% less than the national average for housing. Groceries also follow a similar trend, with an index of 95, indicating a 5% savings on food costs.


Utilities, however, present a different picture for those planning to relocate to Charleston. With an index of 110, utility costs in Charleston are 10% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are also lower, standing at 90, which means residents can save about 10% on commuting expenses. Healthcare and miscellaneous costs align closely with the national average at 95 and 100 respectively, offering a balanced perspective on overall living expenses. Overall, Charleston provides a cost-effective living environment with particular savings in housing and groceries, although utilities may require a bit more budgeting.

There are 4,248 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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Charleston, SC
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