South Carolina salaries by occupation
The median worker in South Carolina earned $44,760 a year in 2024, about $21.52 an hour, 9.6% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 620 occupations.
Median pay $44,760 $21.52 per hour
Vs national median -9.6% U.S. $49,500
Workers 2,271,770 wage and salary
Occupations reported 620 with at least 100 employed
What South Carolina is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers | 9.44× | 2,070 | $42,920 |
| Nuclear Technicians | 8.58× | 760 | $105,300 |
| Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 8.53× | 1,830 | $39,680 |
| Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders | 7.2× | 620 | $40,820 |
| Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 6.08× | 1,840 | $38,780 |
| Nuclear Engineers | 5.89× | 1,280 | $107,880 |
| Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians | 5.69× | 1,010 | $29,810 |
| Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other | 3.69× | 790 | $42,330 |
| Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators | 3.18× | 870 | $43,430 |
| Logging Equipment Operators | 2.95× | 980 | $46,270 |
Metro areas in South Carolina
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 10 South Carolina metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia | $48,880 | $23.50 | 1,340,800 | #106 |
| Charleston-North Charleston | $47,620 | $22.89 | 388,220 | #157 |
| Spartanburg | $46,210 | $22.22 | 163,980 | #213 |
| Columbia | $45,380 | $21.82 | 385,940 | #247 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer | $44,920 | $21.60 | 427,770 | #265 |
| Augusta-Richmond County | $44,280 | $21.29 | 229,650 | #288 |
| Sumter | $41,590 | $20.00 | 35,260 | #336 |
| Florence | $40,200 | $19.33 | 89,940 | #352 |
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal | $40,090 | $19.28 | 81,820 | #353 |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach | $36,510 | $17.56 | 144,400 | #381 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Medicine Physicians | $236,950 | $113.92 | 1,060 | #3 of 23 |
| Nurse Anesthetists | $225,800 | $108.56 | 950 | #10 of 25 |
| Pediatricians, General | $201,990 | $97.11 | 320 | #22 of 37 |
| Chief Executives | $181,830 | $87.42 | 2,950 | #15 of 33 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $163,790 | $78.74 | 2,840 | #20 of 49 |
| Law Teachers, Postsecondary | $160,370 | n/a | 100 | #4 of 22 |
| Dentists, General | $158,460 | $76.19 | 2,320 | #35 of 46 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | $158,290 | n/a | 160 | #10 of 18 |
| Natural Sciences Managers | $143,150 | $68.82 | 680 | #13 of 46 |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $142,490 | $68.50 | 4,360 | #31 of 49 |
| Optometrists | $137,450 | $66.08 | 480 | #15 of 47 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $135,950 | $65.36 | 140 | #4 of 35 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 69,010 | $29,450 | $14.16 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 63,380 | $26,830 | $12.90 |
| Cashiers | 59,470 | $27,590 | $13.26 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 54,530 | $37,190 | $17.88 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 52,840 | $37,940 | $18.24 |
| Registered Nurses | 50,300 | $79,900 | $38.41 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | 47,370 | $42,350 | $20.36 |
| Office Clerks, General | 45,700 | $36,980 | $17.78 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 43,950 | $35,330 | $16.99 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 43,730 | $18,530 | $8.91 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in South Carolina
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Production 83
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers $85,380
- Gas Plant Operators $81,000
- Power Plant Operators $78,580
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $74,950
- Tool and Die Makers $66,300
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers $64,000
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $61,100
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $59,450
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders $56,580
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $54,140
- Machinists $53,040
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $51,720
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $51,100
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $50,750
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $50,270
- Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners $50,030
- Engine and Other Machine Assemblers $49,910
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,870
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $49,830
- Extruding, Forming, Pressing, and Compacting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,730
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters $49,620
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $49,480
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $49,120
- Forging Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,320
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,210
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,770
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $46,890
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,850
- Medical Appliance Technicians $46,710
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,450
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $46,420
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,730
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,640
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,500
- Heat Treating Equipment Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $45,310
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $44,980
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $44,840
- Prepress Technicians and Workers $44,800
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers $43,920
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders $43,650
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators $43,430
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers $42,920
- Print Binding and Finishing Workers $42,760
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic $42,730
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $42,440
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $42,390
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $42,350
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other $42,330
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other $41,670
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,930
- Textile Bleaching and Dyeing Machine Operators and Tenders $40,820
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand $40,790
- Furniture Finishers $40,650
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $40,560
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $40,210
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $40,190
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $40,110
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders $39,980
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $39,920
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders $39,780
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $39,680
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $39,680
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $39,580
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $38,850
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $38,780
- Cooling and Freezing Equipment Operators and Tenders $38,740
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians $38,570
- Printing Press Operators $38,080
- Production Workers, All Other $38,070
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $37,870
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,400
- Food Processing Workers, All Other $37,390
- Food Cooking Machine Operators and Tenders $36,870
- Adhesive Bonding Machine Operators and Tenders $36,800
- Helpers--Production Workers $36,120
- Food Batchmakers $35,870
- Foundry Mold and Coremakers $35,070
- Sewing Machine Operators $34,640
- Bakers $34,590
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers $34,100
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers $33,690
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $29,350
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials $28,330
Education and library 52
- Law Teachers, Postsecondary $160,370
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary $101,110
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $96,720
- Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary $89,360
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary $82,520
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary $81,410
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary $80,970
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $80,310
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $79,900
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $79,770
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $79,060
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $78,620
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $78,280
- History Teachers, Postsecondary $77,150
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary $75,540
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $74,710
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $74,510
- Sociology Teachers, Postsecondary $73,560
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary $73,540
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $70,460
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other $69,620
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $67,480
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary $66,090
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $64,690
- Instructional Coordinators $64,560
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,860
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $63,290
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $63,000
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Middle School $62,590
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $61,980
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $61,600
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,300
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $61,060
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $60,910
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $60,650
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $60,530
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $60,050
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $59,810
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $59,370
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $58,610
- Curators $57,750
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool $57,560
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $56,100
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $53,280
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $38,690
- Tutors $36,860
- Museum Technicians and Conservators $36,500
- Library Technicians $34,860
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $33,280
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $33,260
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $30,520
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $24,510
Healthcare practitioners 46
- Family Medicine Physicians $236,950
- Nurse Anesthetists $225,800
- Pediatricians, General $201,990
- Dentists, General $158,460
- Optometrists $137,450
- Pharmacists $135,900
- Psychiatrists $135,530
- Veterinarians $126,720
- Physician Assistants $119,190
- Nurse Practitioners $116,240
- Physical Therapists $100,950
- Surgical Assistants $98,340
- Occupational Therapists $97,370
- Radiation Therapists $97,350
- Speech-Language Pathologists $91,880
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists $84,420
- Dental Hygienists $81,710
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $80,890
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $80,490
- Registered Nurses $79,900
- Audiologists $75,980
- Respiratory Therapists $75,960
- Chiropractors $69,990
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $67,010
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $66,950
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $65,100
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other $63,890
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $63,290
- Surgical Technologists $60,780
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,050
- Medical Records Specialists $58,510
- Athletic Trainers $53,520
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $52,300
- Paramedics $50,130
- Recreational Therapists $49,170
- Exercise Physiologists $47,680
- Opticians, Dispensing $46,830
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $40,420
- Pharmacy Technicians $38,960
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $38,840
- Emergency Medical Technicians $38,670
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $38,670
- Psychiatric Technicians $38,540
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $37,960
- Hearing Aid Specialists $36,240
- Dietetic Technicians $30,290
Office and administrative support 46
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $63,040
- Postal Service Clerks $62,670
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $60,650
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $56,160
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $55,930
- Brokerage Clerks $53,390
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $53,230
- Cargo and Freight Agents $51,420
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $50,710
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $49,470
- Financial Clerks, All Other $48,880
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $48,470
- Meter Readers, Utilities $47,200
- Procurement Clerks $46,600
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $46,300
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $45,450
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $45,210
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $44,710
- New Accounts Clerks $44,310
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $43,970
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $43,620
- Billing and Posting Clerks $42,730
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $41,720
- Bill and Account Collectors $41,040
- Order Clerks $40,560
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $40,510
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $40,500
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $40,140
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,670
- File Clerks $38,860
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks $38,820
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $38,760
- Tellers $38,620
- Customer Service Representatives $37,940
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,630
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $37,550
- Office Clerks, General $36,980
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $36,890
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $36,650
- Data Entry Keyers $36,590
- Couriers and Messengers $35,360
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $34,950
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service $33,640
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $33,140
- Library Assistants, Clerical $31,740
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $29,250
Installation, maintenance and repair 38
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $80,110
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $75,010
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $74,360
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $70,800
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $68,940
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery $62,610
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door $61,410
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $61,260
- Millwrights $59,870
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $59,360
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $59,190
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $58,720
- Rail Car Repairers $57,760
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $56,090
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $55,260
- Recreational Vehicle Service Technicians $55,020
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $52,430
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other $51,620
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $49,800
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $48,650
- Mechanical Door Repairers $48,260
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $47,420
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $47,170
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $46,800
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers $46,290
- Riggers $46,280
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $45,950
- Locksmiths and Safe Repairers $45,950
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians $45,770
- Home Appliance Repairers $45,330
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles $44,910
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $43,970
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $43,790
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers $42,960
- Medical Equipment Repairers $42,350
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $39,170
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $39,080
- Tire Repairers and Changers $33,350
Construction and extraction 34
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $74,240
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers $71,350
- Construction and Building Inspectors $60,050
- Electricians $58,260
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $56,140
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $54,840
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $50,650
- Solar Photovoltaic Installers $49,300
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical $49,150
- Carpenters $48,910
- Glaziers $47,820
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $47,650
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $47,480
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $47,430
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $47,150
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $46,130
- Sheet Metal Workers $46,080
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $45,880
- Roofers $45,860
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $45,290
- Tile and Stone Setters $45,100
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $44,670
- Pipelayers $44,480
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $43,680
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $42,950
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $42,030
- Construction Laborers $41,310
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles $38,380
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $38,140
- Helpers--Electricians $38,050
- Highway Maintenance Workers $38,000
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other $37,670
- Helpers--Carpenters $36,460
- Carpet Installers $33,070
Management 33
- Chief Executives $181,830
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $163,790
- Natural Sciences Managers $143,150
- Computer and Information Systems Managers $142,490
- Financial Managers $127,610
- Purchasing Managers $126,260
- Industrial Production Managers $125,490
- Marketing Managers $124,000
- Sales Managers $123,860
- Managers, All Other $120,640
- Human Resources Managers $118,760
- Training and Development Managers $108,370
- Medical and Health Services Managers $105,220
- Construction Managers $104,040
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $102,650
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $100,050
- General and Operations Managers $99,340
- Public Relations Managers $98,620
- Facilities Managers $96,240
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $94,520
- Compensation and Benefits Managers $93,890
- Education Administrators, All Other $90,730
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $83,710
- Emergency Management Directors $82,780
- Fundraising Managers $82,700
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling $81,040
- Funeral Home Managers $80,410
- Social and Community Service Managers $72,990
- Food Service Managers $63,080
- Lodging Managers $60,700
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $59,920
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $46,650
- Legislators $19,270
Transport and material moving 32
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $158,290
- Commercial Pilots $119,810
- Air Traffic Controllers $107,330
- Transportation Inspectors $79,040
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $72,520
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $62,050
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $61,190
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels $58,280
- Crane and Tower Operators $55,410
- Traffic Technicians $55,330
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $51,810
- Sailors and Marine Oilers $48,870
- Bus Drivers, School $42,330
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $41,770
- Light Truck Drivers $38,960
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $38,580
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $37,380
- Aircraft Service Attendants $37,260
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $37,190
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers $36,580
- Stockers and Order Fillers $35,330
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $35,070
- Airfield Operations Specialists $33,490
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $30,830
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $30,570
- Driver/Sales Workers $30,510
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $30,330
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians $29,810
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $29,650
- Parking Attendants $28,570
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $28,040
- Passenger Attendants $27,040
Business and financial 30
- Personal Financial Advisors $98,900
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage $91,960
- Project Management Specialists $91,010
- Financial and Investment Analysts $89,850
- Management Analysts $87,050
- Financial Risk Specialists $82,210
- Budget Analysts $82,080
- Insurance Underwriters $81,080
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $79,190
- Logisticians $76,920
- Compliance Officers $76,200
- Credit Analysts $76,050
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $75,710
- Financial Specialists, All Other $75,380
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $74,940
- Accountants and Auditors $73,180
- Financial Examiners $72,030
- Cost Estimators $67,420
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $66,110
- Human Resources Specialists $64,720
- Training and Development Specialists $64,020
- Labor Relations Specialists $62,370
- Fundraisers $62,240
- Loan Officers $61,690
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $61,130
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $59,080
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $58,410
- Credit Counselors $49,420
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $49,410
- Tax Preparers $37,550
Architecture and engineering 28
- Aerospace Engineers $131,820
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $123,390
- Computer Hardware Engineers $119,010
- Engineers, All Other $117,980
- Materials Engineers $110,730
- Nuclear Engineers $107,880
- Mechanical Engineers $105,360
- Chemical Engineers $104,660
- Electrical Engineers $104,210
- Civil Engineers $99,680
- Environmental Engineers $99,040
- Industrial Engineers $98,830
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors $92,150
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $84,190
- Landscape Architects $74,470
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $73,890
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters $69,280
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians $69,250
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $68,310
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians $64,010
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $62,890
- Surveyors $62,160
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $61,430
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists $60,170
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,990
- Drafters, All Other $58,980
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,380
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $43,410
Life, physical and social science 28
- Psychologists, All Other $135,950
- Physical Scientists, All Other $134,430
- Physicists $131,100
- Nuclear Technicians $105,300
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $87,870
- Biological Scientists, All Other $86,940
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $86,940
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $82,220
- Chemists $77,900
- Foresters $77,030
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $76,600
- School Psychologists $75,280
- Social Science Research Assistants $66,990
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $65,960
- Urban and Regional Planners $65,580
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $61,490
- Hydrologists $61,240
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $59,900
- Chemical Technicians $59,530
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians $55,270
- Conservation Scientists $54,220
- Economists $51,980
- Soil and Plant Scientists $51,550
- Forensic Science Technicians $49,960
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $48,260
- Biological Technicians $47,190
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $46,230
- Agricultural Technicians $41,360
Arts, design, entertainment and media 24
- Commercial and Industrial Designers $83,610
- Technical Writers $78,660
- Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators $72,990
- Art Directors $66,130
- Public Relations Specialists $60,550
- Interior Designers $59,450
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners $59,180
- Editors $58,210
- Graphic Designers $56,180
- Producers and Directors $54,870
- Writers and Authors $51,850
- Film and Video Editors $49,630
- Broadcast Technicians $47,280
- Interpreters and Translators $47,060
- Audio and Video Technicians $46,890
- Coaches and Scouts $46,760
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $44,690
- Sound Engineering Technicians $42,370
- Photographers $34,870
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $34,540
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $29,870
- Floral Designers $28,800
- Actors not reported
- Musicians and Singers not reported
Personal care and service 22
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $47,440
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $41,040
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $40,160
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $38,170
- Residential Advisors $37,930
- Barbers $37,300
- Concierges $36,870
- Skincare Specialists $35,810
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other $32,860
- Tour and Travel Guides $32,570
- Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners $32,050
- Animal Trainers $31,620
- Recreation Workers $31,370
- Funeral Attendants $30,650
- Animal Caretakers $29,900
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $29,120
- Childcare Workers $28,440
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers $27,090
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops $26,170
- Gambling Dealers $26,090
- Manicurists and Pedicurists $25,980
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $25,780
Protective service 19
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $80,230
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $72,480
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $68,310
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $63,060
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators $61,780
- Transportation Security Screeners $59,950
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $58,020
- Private Detectives and Investigators $53,890
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $48,470
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $48,050
- Firefighters $45,960
- Parking Enforcement Workers $43,550
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $41,600
- Animal Control Workers $41,560
- Security Guards $34,820
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $32,480
- Bailiffs $30,330
- School Bus Monitors $26,790
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $26,350
Sales 19
- Sales Engineers $100,430
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $95,460
- Advertising Sales Agents $74,840
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $71,070
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $63,280
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $58,520
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $57,320
- Real Estate Brokers $54,300
- Insurance Sales Agents $51,550
- Real Estate Sales Agents $49,990
- Travel Agents $46,810
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $46,410
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $38,870
- Counter and Rental Clerks $36,280
- Parts Salespersons $35,180
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters $33,840
- Retail Salespersons $29,450
- Cashiers $27,590
- Telemarketers $22,540
Computing and mathematics 18
- Database Architects $128,440
- Computer and Information Research Scientists $120,970
- Computer Network Architects $112,850
- Software Developers $108,690
- Computer Occupations, All Other $104,330
- Actuaries $100,710
- Computer Programmers $100,620
- Computer Systems Analysts $94,740
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $93,140
- Database Administrators $92,670
- Data Scientists $90,660
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $88,600
- Web Developers $83,200
- Operations Research Analysts $74,880
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $70,690
- Computer Network Support Specialists $66,560
- Statisticians $65,850
- Computer User Support Specialists $50,500
Healthcare support 17
- Occupational Therapy Assistants $72,970
- Physical Therapist Assistants $68,340
- Massage Therapists $62,830
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $48,540
- Dental Assistants $45,930
- Medical Equipment Preparers $41,650
- Medical Assistants $38,820
- Phlebotomists $38,490
- Orderlies $37,440
- Nursing Assistants $36,370
- Pharmacy Aides $35,820
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $35,680
- Occupational Therapy Aides $34,080
- Psychiatric Aides $32,860
- Medical Transcriptionists $31,480
- Physical Therapist Aides $30,750
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $29,030
Community and social service 15
- Social Workers, All Other $91,940
- Healthcare Social Workers $65,760
- Counselors, All Other $63,040
- Health Education Specialists $59,780
- Clergy $59,170
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $57,400
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $56,090
- Marriage and Family Therapists $51,440
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $50,720
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $49,990
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $47,550
- Community Health Workers $45,580
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $41,750
- Rehabilitation Counselors $38,420
- Social and Human Service Assistants $37,430
Food preparation and serving 14
- Chefs and Head Cooks $61,290
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $38,950
- Cooks, Restaurant $35,700
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $31,730
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $30,150
- Food Preparation Workers $30,050
- Dishwashers $29,200
- Cooks, Short Order $29,180
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $26,830
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $26,520
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $24,840
- Cooks, Fast Food $23,930
- Waiters and Waitresses $18,530
- Bartenders $18,390
Building and grounds maintenance 10
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $56,700
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $48,240
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $47,220
- Building Cleaning Workers, All Other $44,070
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $43,170
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $40,720
- Pest Control Workers $37,960
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $36,130
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,560
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $29,290
Farming, fishing and forestry 7
- First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $56,980
- Logging Equipment Operators $46,270
- Agricultural Equipment Operators $42,580
- Forest and Conservation Workers $36,810
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $35,230
- Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $32,990
- Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $32,820
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in South Carolina?
The median across all occupations is $44,760 a year, or $21.52 an hour, covering 2,271,770 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in South Carolina?
Family Medicine Physicians ($236,950), Nurse Anesthetists ($225,800), Pediatricians, General ($201,990) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does South Carolina employ the most people in?
Retail Salespersons, with 69,010 employed at a median of $29,450. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. South Carolina electricity averages 16.18¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.