Average Salary in Charleston, SC
Across the 411 professional occupations we track, the median salary in Charleston is $95,000/year. Charleston, South Carolina offers career opportunities with 6.5% state income tax. All figures are Charleston-specific, adjusted for local cost of living and updated quarterly from BLS and H-1B disclosures.
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Working in Charleston, South Carolina: Salary Guide (2026)
Charleston is home to the CharlestonβSC metropolitan area with a population of 150,227. The city has a cost of living index of 105 (US average = 100), meaning living costs are close to the US average.
South Carolina has a 6.5% state income tax rate. When comparing offers with cities in no-income-tax states like Texas, Washington, or Florida, factor in this difference.
Top-paying industries in Charleston
Charleston's economy spans multiple high-wage sectors. The city's diverse employer base creates strong demand across technology, healthcare, finance, and professional services.
Charleston salary FAQ
What is the average salary in Charleston, SC?
Pay in Charleston varies widely by occupation. Across the 411 professional roles we track, the median salary is about $95,000 per year β adjusted for Charleston's cost of living (index 105, where 100 is the US average). Use the tables above to see the median for a specific job title.
Which jobs pay the most in Charleston?
Among the roles we track, Oral Surgeon is the highest-paying in Charleston at a median of $392,000 per year. Technology, healthcare, and finance roles generally top the list.
Does Charleston have a state income tax?
Yes β South Carolina levies a 6.5% state income tax, which reduces take-home pay versus no-tax states like Texas, Florida, and Washington.
How far does a salary go in Charleston?
Charleston's cost of living index is 105 (US average = 100), so living costs run about 5% above the US average. A $95,000 salary here has roughly the buying power of $90,476 in an average-cost city.