Average salary in South Carolina
The state of South Carolina offers a range of earning potential for its residents. Like many other states, the cost of living can vary depending on where you live in South Carolina. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center, South Carolina ranks as the 11th most affordable state in the US, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable living with decent earning opportunities.
But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?
| City | Average earnings |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $60,471 |
| Columbia | $46,055 |
| Mount Pleasant | $44,980 |
| Rock Hill | $43,982 |
| Greenville | $41,461 |
Average salary in South Carolina by county
Reviewing average salaries in South Carolina by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in South Carolina by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.
The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county.
Here are some of the highest paying counties in South Carolina, according to the US Census Bureau's latest American Community Survey:
| County | Average household income |
|---|---|
| Beaufort County | $73,529 |
| Charleston County | $68,139 |
| Dorchester County | $65,851 |
| Lexington County | $63,303 |
| Horry County | $60,530 |
Highest paying jobs in South Carolina
There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in South Carolina: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.
Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in South Carolina below.
| Occupation | Average salary |
|---|---|
| Medical consultant | $188,937 |
| Medical Staff Physician | $173,789 |
| Clinic Physician Director | $173,242 |
| Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist | $164,008 |
| Hospitalist Medical Director | $160,613 |
| Senior Director, Product | $160,613 |
| Family Practitioner | $146,166 |
| Emergency Medicine Specialist | $145,481 |
| Senior Director of Information & Technology | $144,230 |
| Director, Global Business Development | $140,625 |
Frequently asked questions about salaries in South Carolina
What is the average salary in South Carolina by age?
Alongside location and occupation, salaries in South Carolina are also dependent on age, since more senior workers will be paid more. Then, when they retire, their income will dip again as they will rely on pensions and other forms of set income.
The Census Bureau data finds that householders under 25 have a median household income of $31,063; householders aged 25 to 44 years old have a median income of $53,399; those aged 45 to 64 years old have a median income of $58,518; and those 65 and older have a median income of $39,306.
What is a ‘good’ salary in South Carolina?
The median income in South Carolina is $54,097. However, the definition of a 'good' salary varies depending on several factors, such as job industry, location, and lifestyle. For example, $90,000 may be considered a high salary in some parts of the state, whereas it may be closer to the average in others.
What is the average salary in South Carolina by hour?
Assuming Americans work an average of 1,801 hours per year at 37.5 hours per week, the average hourly salary in South Carolina is $30.03.
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Content writer
Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.