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What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $60,276 per year.

Charleston, SC, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Charleston is around $60,276. This figure provides a good starting point for job seekers looking to understand the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and the specific role.


The salary distribution in Charleston shows a mix of earnings. The highest-paying jobs earn over $184,000 annually. These positions are often found in sectors like healthcare, finance, and technology. Lower-paying jobs start at around $26,000 per year. These roles are common in retail, hospitality, and entry-level positions. Most job seekers will find salaries in the middle range, between $41,818 and $105,091 per year. This range covers a broad spectrum of careers, from administrative roles to skilled trades.

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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 $261,022. Other top earners include Solar Sales Representatives, who make around $155,174, and Nurse Practitioners, with an average salary of $145,700. These positions provide excellent compensation and career growth potential. Additionally, roles such as Counselors, Pharmacists, and Controllers offer competitive salaries. Counselors earn about $129,874, while Pharmacists make around $126,930. Controllers, with an average salary of $116,290, also enjoy strong earning potential. These jobs combine good pay with the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $261,022 and MRI Technologist with the lowest at $107,675.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $261,022
    Physicians in Charleston provide essential medical care. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Notable employers include MUSC Health and Roper St. Francis Healthcare.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $155,174
    Solar sales representatives promote renewable energy solutions. They work with companies like SunPower and Vivint Solar. They help clients understand the benefits of solar energy.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $145,700
    Nurse practitioners offer primary and specialty care. They work with organizations like Bon Secours St. Francis Health System. They diagnose and treat patients, often managing chronic conditions.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Counselor
    Average Salary: $129,874
    Counselors provide mental health support. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They help individuals cope with personal challenges. Employers include the Charleston Dorchester Mental Health Center.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $126,930
    Pharmacists dispense medications and offer advice on their use. They work in pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. They ensure patients understand their prescriptions and potential side effects.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Controller
    Average Salary: $116,290
    Controllers manage financial operations. They work in various industries, including healthcare and manufacturing. They oversee budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting. Companies like Boeing and SCANA Corporation often hire controllers.
    Find Controller jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $114,181
    Independent contractors offer specialized services. They work in fields like IT, marketing, and consulting. They manage their own schedules and projects. Many contractors find work through platforms like Upwork and Freelancer.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $112,713
    Software engineers design and develop software applications. They work for tech companies like IBM and Cisco. They write code, test software, and fix bugs. They play a key role in creating new technologies.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $109,650
    Systems engineers manage and integrate complex systems. They work in various industries, including aerospace and telecommunications. They ensure systems run smoothly and efficiently. Employers include Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $107,675
    MRI technologists operate imaging equipment. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. They perform scans and ensure patient safety. They play a crucial role in diagnosing medical conditions.
    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. These roles include canvassers, kitchen managers, and concrete finishers, all of which provide competitive salaries. For example, canvassers earn an average of $67,000 annually, while kitchen managers make around $60,000. These positions offer good pay and valuable experience. Kitchen managers oversee restaurant staff and ensure smooth operations. Concrete finishers work on construction sites, smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Both jobs require skills and dedication, making them excellent choices for those seeking well-paying work without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $67,043 and Server with the lowest at $41,271.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $67,043
    This role involves visiting homes and businesses to gather information. It is a great way to meet people and learn about the community. Local companies often hire canvassers for market research.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $60,093
    Manage the kitchen staff and ensure smooth operations. Oversee food preparation and maintain high standards. Many restaurants and hotels in the area need skilled kitchen managers.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,768
    This involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. It is a hands-on job that requires attention to detail. Construction firms in the city often seek experienced finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $48,543
    Install and maintain irrigation systems for lawns and gardens. This job requires knowledge of water systems and landscaping. Local gardening companies and landscapers hire technicians regularly.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Terminal Operator
    Average Salary: $48,255
    Operate and monitor equipment at shipping terminals. This role involves handling cargo and ensuring smooth operations. Shipping companies in the port area often need skilled operators.
    Find Terminal Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $48,027
    Sell ice cream and other treats at events and public places. This job is perfect for those who enjoy interacting with people. Local events and festivals often hire vendors.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $47,439
    Oversee daily operations of a restaurant. Manage staff, handle customer service, and ensure a great dining experience. Many restaurants in the city look for experienced managers.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,361
    Prepare and serve seafood dishes. This role involves working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Seafood restaurants and markets in the area often hire team members.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $41,278
    Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and other landscaping tasks. This job requires physical stamina and attention to detail. Local landscaping companies frequently hire technicians.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $41,271
    Take orders and serve food and drinks to customers. This role requires good communication skills and a friendly demeanor. Many restaurants and cafes in the city need servers.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a variety of high-paying job opportunities. The Naval Information Warfare Systems Command leads with an average salary of $113,678. Following closely, SAIC and CyberCoders offer competitive salaries of $108,749 and $108,568, respectively. Other notable companies include Quality Wheels Inc, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Service Experts, all providing salaries above $100,000. Companies like gpac, FUSION Medical Staffing, OneStaff Medical, and Supplemental Health Care offer salaries ranging from $84,905 to $95,801. These companies present attractive options for job seekers looking for good compensation in Charleston.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Naval Information Warfare Systems Command with the highest at $113,678 and Supplemental Health Care with the lowest at $84,905.
  1. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $113,678
    This company offers jobs in defense and technology. They focus on information systems and cybersecurity.


  2. SAIC
    Average Salary: $108,749
    SAIC provides technology solutions to government agencies. They work in areas like defense, health, and engineering.


  3. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $108,568
    CyberCoders helps people find jobs in tech. They connect job seekers with companies in IT and cybersecurity.


  4. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $106,124
    Quality Wheels Inc makes and sells tires. They focus on quality and customer service.


  5. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $102,637
    Booz Allen Hamilton offers consulting services. They work in areas like defense, health, and technology.


  6. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $95,801
    Service Experts provides HVAC services. They focus on quality and customer satisfaction.


  7. gpac
    Average Salary: $91,477
    gpac is a staffing company. They help people find jobs in various industries.


  8. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $89,858
    FUSION Medical Staffing provides healthcare jobs. They connect healthcare professionals with hospitals and clinics.


  9. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $89,179
    OneStaff Medical offers travel nursing jobs. They help nurses find temporary positions in different locations.


  10. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $84,905
    Supplemental Health Care provides healthcare staffing. They help hospitals and clinics find qualified healthcare workers.

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

Charleston, SC, shows a cost of living index slightly above the nationwide average, with housing being 5% higher. Other categories like groceries, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses are close to the national average, with variations within 7% of the index. This data suggests that while housing costs are notably higher, other living expenses in Charleston remain relatively comparable to the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 5% higher, groceries 2% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 2% higher, miscellaneous 0% lower.

Charleston, SC, has a cost of living index that is slightly higher than the nationwide average. The housing index in Charleston stands at 105, which means housing costs are 5% higher than the national average. This increase can be significant for those considering a move to Charleston, as housing is a major expense for most people.


Other costs in Charleston also compare closely to the national average. Groceries cost 98% of the national average, which is a minor decrease. Utilities are slightly lower, at 95%, while transportation costs are 97%. Healthcare costs are slightly higher, at 102%, which could be a consideration for those with health needs. Miscellaneous costs match the national average at 100%. Overall, Charleston offers a cost of living that is just a bit above the national average, with some areas being higher and others slightly lower.

There are 4,264 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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

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City
Overview
Charleston, SC
4,264 Job Openings