TechnologyUpdated Q1 2025

AI Engineer Salary
in North Charleston, SC

Develop and deploy artificial intelligence systems and applications. Median salary in North Charleston: $175K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$175K
per year
Take-home: $112K

Salary range in North Charleston

Entry level (25th)$130,000
Median (50th)$175,000
Senior (75th)$225,000
Top earner (90th)$290,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Key facts for North Charleston

Median salary
$175K
annual
Take-home pay
$112K
after fed/state tax
COL index
95
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.5%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,350
per month
YoY growth
+12%
salary trend

Salary forecast: North Charleston AI Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2025. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $175K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — North Charleston

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
AI Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$147K$160K$173K$185K$198K201920212023202520272029
2026
$179K
projected
2027
$184K
projected
2028
$188K
projected
2029
$193K
projected
2030
$198K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$175,000+$0
2028 projected$175,000+$0
2029 projected$175,000+$0
2030 projected$175,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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AI Engineer Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina: Complete Guide (2026)

The median AI Engineer salary in North Charleston, SC is $175,000 per year as of Q1 2025. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the North Charleston–SC metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for AI Engineer in North Charleston

Entry-level AI Engineers in North Charleston with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $130,000 and $175,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $175,000 to $225,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $225,000 to $290,000 or more.

Cost of living in North Charleston for AI Engineers

North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95 compared to the US national average of 100. This means your salary goes approximately 5% further in North Charleston than the national average. South Carolina has a 6.5% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for AI Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS or AI. This role is 72% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for North Charleston-based professionals.

AI Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
North Charleston (current)$175K95
Columbia88
Charleston105
Greenville92