Overview Salaries

Salaries in Charleston, SC

Updated on Jan 12, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?

The average salary in Charleston, SC is $60,115 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $60,115 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Charleston, SC, showing an average salary of $5,010 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 competitive salaries across various industries. This vibrant city provides a range of job opportunities with attractive compensation. The average yearly salary in Charleston stands at approximately $60,115. This figure reflects the city's dynamic job market and its efforts to provide fair wages to workers.


Different sectors offer varying salary ranges. For instance, jobs in the healthcare and education fields average around $40,909 annually. On the other hand, roles in the technology sector can reach up to $175,091 each year. Other industries like finance and real estate also provide lucrative opportunities with salaries up to $190,000 annually. This diversity makes Charleston an appealing destination for job seekers looking for a balance between career opportunities and living costs.

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What are the best paying jobs in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities. Physicians top the list, with an average salary of $280,786. This role involves diagnosing and treating patients' medical conditions. Next is the Owner Operator position, averaging $253,221 annually. This job combines management and hands-on work. Nurse Practitioners earn about $143,965, where they deliver advanced nursing care. These positions require specific education and skills, providing a path to stable, rewarding careers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $280,786 and MRI Technologist with the lowest at $112,115.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $280,786
    As a physician, you will provide medical care and treatment to patients. You may work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Many healthcare facilities in Charleston offer opportunities for those in this profession.
    Find Physician jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Owner Operator
    Average Salary: $253,221
    As an owner operator, you will manage your own business, often involving transportation or logistics. This role requires strong leadership and business management skills. Many transportation companies in Charleston offer this opportunity.
    Find Owner Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $143,965
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care to patients. They work in various settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Several healthcare institutions in Charleston seek skilled nurse practitioners.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Counselor
    Average Salary: $134,072
    Counselors offer guidance and support to individuals dealing with personal issues. They work in schools, community centers, and private practices. Many counseling services in Charleston need qualified professionals.
    Find Counselor jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $131,424
    Solar sales representatives sell solar energy systems to businesses and homeowners. They need strong communication and sales skills. Many companies in Charleston are hiring for this role, particularly those focused on renewable energy.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $128,177
    Pharmacists dispense medications and offer health advice to patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Many pharmacies in Charleston value experienced pharmacists.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Independent Contractor
    Average Salary: $121,010
    Independent contractors work on a freelance basis, often providing specialized services. This role allows for flexibility and autonomy. Many businesses in Charleston are looking for skilled independent contractors.
    Find Independent Contractor jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $113,488
    Software engineers design and develop software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. Charleston's growing tech scene offers opportunities for skilled software engineers.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Nuclear Medicine Technologist
    Average Salary: $113,134
    Nuclear medicine technologists perform imaging procedures to help diagnose and treat diseases. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. Many healthcare facilities in Charleston need qualified technologists.
    Find Nuclear Medicine Technologist jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. MRI Technologist
    Average Salary: $112,115
    MRI technologists operate imaging equipment to produce scans of patients' internal structures. They work in hospitals and imaging centers. Many Charleston hospitals offer this career path.
    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 lead the culinary team in restaurants, earning an average salary of over $68,000. Lawn Care Technicians maintain beautiful gardens and landscapes, with average earnings around $40,000. Other well-paying roles include Canvassers, who promote products and services, and Concrete Finishers, who shape and smooth concrete surfaces. Both positions offer competitive salaries. Seafood Team Members, Ice Cream Vendors, and Server roles also provide good income opportunities with an average salary of over $40,000. These positions allow job seekers to find rewarding work without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Charleston, SC without a degree, highlighting Kitchen Manager with the highest at $68,535 and Lawn Care Technician with the lowest at $40,226.

  1. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $68,535
    Supervise kitchen staff and manage operations in local restaurants. Ensure food quality and safety. Companies like Charleston Grill and The Ordinary offer growth in this role.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $57,314
    Conduct surveys and collect data for businesses. Interact with customers and gather valuable information. Companies in the city seek detail-oriented individuals for this position.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Charleston, SC


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,533
    Prepare and pour concrete for construction projects. Use tools to smooth and shape concrete surfaces. Local construction firms hire for these hands-on roles.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Charleston, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $48,474
    Install, maintain, and repair irrigation systems. Ensure proper water flow for lawns and gardens. Landscaping companies look for skilled technicians to handle these tasks.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Charleston, SC


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $48,066
    Oversee daily operations and staff in eateries. Ensure customer satisfaction and smooth service. Local eateries offer opportunities for those ready to lead a team.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Charleston, SC


  6. Seafood Team Member
    Average Salary: $42,614
    Prepare and serve seafood dishes. Work in a fast-paced environment. Seafood restaurants seek team players for these roles.
    Find Seafood Team Member jobs in Charleston, SC


  7. Ice Cream Vendor
    Average Salary: $42,594
    Sell ice cream and related products in various locations. Engage with customers and promote specials. Local events and fairs offer seasonal work for ice cream vendors.
    Find Ice Cream Vendor jobs in Charleston, SC


  8. Loader Operator
    Average Salary: $41,636
    Load and unload materials and equipment. Operate machinery to move goods. Construction and logistics companies hire for these positions.
    Find Loader Operator jobs in Charleston, SC


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $41,290
    Take orders and serve food and drinks. Provide excellent customer service. Restaurants and cafes hire for these positions to enhance the dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Charleston, SC


  10. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $40,226
    Maintain and improve lawns through mowing, pruning, and fertilizing. Work in residential and commercial settings. Landscaping services need skilled technicians for these tasks.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Charleston, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Charleston, SC?

Charleston, SC, offers a range of well-paying jobs across various industries. Companies like Naval Information Warfare Systems Command and CyberCoders lead the way with average salaries above $100,000. For those seeking higher compensation, these top-tier employers provide excellent opportunities. Companies such as SAIC, Quality Wheels Inc, and Booz Allen Hamilton also feature competitive average salaries. These firms offer attractive packages, making Charleston an ideal place for job seekers looking to maximize their earnings. Whether in defense, engineering, or healthcare, Charleston's best-paying companies provide promising career paths.
Graph displaying company salaries in Charleston, SC, highlighting Naval Information Warfare Systems Command with the highest at $116,399 and Supplemental Health Care with the lowest at $86,476.

  1. Naval Information Warfare Systems Command
    Average Salary: $116,399
    A key player in naval information warfare, this company offers competitive salaries and works on advanced technology projects.


  2. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $110,401
    CyberCoders helps job seekers find the best roles. They offer good pay and a wide range of job opportunities.


  3. SAIC
    Average Salary: $109,736
    SAIC provides technology and scientific services. They offer great pay and work on important projects.


  4. Quality Wheels Inc
    Average Salary: $105,495
    A leading manufacturer of wheels, this company offers good pay and benefits to their employees.


  5. Booz Allen Hamilton
    Average Salary: $103,571
    Booz Allen works in management and technology consulting. They offer competitive salaries and diverse job opportunities.


  6. gpac
    Average Salary: $97,588
    gpac specializes in placing job seekers in various roles. They offer good salaries and support career growth.


  7. Service Experts
    Average Salary: $94,576
    Service Experts provide HVAC services. They offer good pay and a stable work environment.


  8. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $89,848
    FUSION offers medical staffing services. They provide good pay and work in the healthcare sector.


  9. OneStaff Medical
    Average Salary: $89,192
    OneStaff Medical specializes in healthcare staffing. They offer competitive salaries and work in various medical settings.


  10. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $86,476
    Supplemental Health Care offers healthcare staffing solutions. They provide good pay and a supportive work environment.

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

Charleston, SC, shows a higher cost of living compared to the nationwide average. The housing index in Charleston stands at 113, indicating that housing costs are 13% higher than the average. Additionally, groceries cost 4% more in Charleston, with an index of 104. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also surpass the national average but to a lesser extent. Utilities cost 5% more, while transportation and healthcare costs are 2% and 8% higher, respectively. Miscellaneous expenses show a 2% increase over the average. Overall, Charleston's cost of living exceeds the national average, with housing and groceries being the most significant contributors to this difference.
Cost of living comparison graph for Charleston, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 13% higher, groceries 4% higher, utilities 5% lower, transportation 2% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 2% higher.

Charleston, South Carolina, has a cost of living index that reflects its vibrant lifestyle and scenic appeal. When compared to the nationwide average of 100, Charleston's cost of living is notably higher in several areas. The housing index stands at 113, indicating that housing costs are 13% higher than the national average. This increase reflects the desirability of living in this historic city with its charming architecture and prime coastal location.


In contrast, the groceries index is 104, which is 4% higher than the national average, suggesting that food costs are slightly above the norm. Utilities and transportation costs remain close to the national average, with indices of 95 and 98, respectively. The healthcare index is slightly lower at 92, meaning healthcare costs are 8% below the national average. Miscellaneous costs are also slightly above the average, with an index of 102, which is 2% higher. This diverse cost profile makes Charleston an attractive yet balanced option for professional job seekers considering relocation.

There are 3,229 job openings in Charleston, SC, today!

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Charleston, SC
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