South Carolina Salaries 2025
Manufacturing renaissance meets coastal charm
Median Household Income
South Carolina Salary Overview 2025
South Carolina has transformed into a manufacturing powerhouse while maintaining Southern affordability and coastal lifestyle appeal. The state's median household income of $59,000 is below the national average, but SC's cost of living (89 index) creates genuine purchasing power.
BMW's Spartanburg plant is the company's largest globally. Boeing builds 787 Dreamliners in Charleston. Volvo, Mercedes-Benz suppliers, and tire manufacturers have followed. The Upstate (Greenville-Spartanburg) has become an advanced manufacturing corridor, while Charleston combines port operations, tech growth, and tourism.
South Carolina offers beach lifestyle, mild winters, and growing economic opportunity. For manufacturing careers with quality of life, SC is increasingly competitive. For comprehensive salary data, see salary trends 2025.
Salaries by South Carolina Region
Charleston Metro
Median Household Income: $68,000
Charleston is SC's hottest market with Boeing, tech startups, healthcare, and tourism. Boeing's 787 final assembly employs 6,000+. Tech scene growing with software companies attracted by lifestyle. Engineers $80,000-$140,000, software $85,000-$135,000. Housing has risen significantly ($450,000 median) due to demand.
Greenville-Spartanburg (Upstate)
Median Household Income: $58,000
BMW's largest plant globally anchors the Upstate. Michelin North America HQ, suppliers, and advanced manufacturing create engineering employment. Engineers $70,000-$120,000, manufacturing management $65,000-$110,000. More affordable ($300,000 median) with mountain access.
Columbia – State Capital
Median Household Income: $55,000
University of South Carolina and state government anchor the capital. Healthcare and insurance add employment. Affordable ($260,000 median) with central location.
| Region | Median Income | Median Home | Key Industries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $68,000 | $450,000 | Boeing, Tech, Tourism |
| Greenville-Spartanburg | $58,000 | $300,000 | BMW, Manufacturing |
| Columbia | $55,000 | $260,000 | Government, Education |
| Myrtle Beach | $48,000 | $320,000 | Tourism, Retirement |
Top Paying Industries in South Carolina
Automotive Manufacturing (BMW)
BMW Spartanburg produces X models for global export—the company's largest plant worldwide. Engineers $75,000-$130,000, skilled trades $50,000-$80,000, management $90,000-$160,000. German work culture with American location.
Aerospace (Boeing)
Boeing's Charleston campus builds 787 Dreamliners. Aerospace engineers $85,000-$145,000, manufacturing $45,000-$75,000, supply chain $60,000-$100,000. Major expansion of composite manufacturing.
Healthcare
MUSC (Charleston), Prisma Health, and regional systems. Physicians $260,000-$420,000+, nurses $55,000-$78,000. Charleston becoming medical research hub.
| Industry | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive (BMW) | $60,000 | $90,000 | $135,000+ |
| Aerospace (Boeing) | $70,000 | $105,000 | $150,000+ |
| Software Engineering | $65,000 | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
| Healthcare (Physicians) | $260,000 | $340,000 | $420,000+ |
South Carolina Tax Analysis
| Taxable Income | Tax Rate |
|---|---|
| $0 – $3,200 | 0% |
| $3,201 – $16,040 | 3% |
| $16,041+ | 6.4% |
SC's top rate of 6.4% is higher than NC (4.5%) but overall tax burden remains moderate with low property taxes (0.56% average).
Highest Paying Jobs in South Carolina 2025
| Occupation | Average Salary | Top 10% Earn |
|---|---|---|
| Physicians/Surgeons | $280,000 | $420,000+ |
| Aerospace Engineers | $115,000 | $155,000+ |
| IT Directors | $135,000 | $180,000+ |
| Automotive Engineers | $95,000 | $135,000+ |
| Pharmacists | $115,000 | $140,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Charleston vs. Greenville?
Charleston for coastal lifestyle, tech, and Boeing. Greenville for automotive manufacturing and mountain access. Charleston is more expensive; Greenville offers better value. Both growing rapidly with different vibes.
How's the manufacturing job market?
Excellent. BMW, Boeing, Volvo, Mercedes suppliers, and tire manufacturers create substantial employment. Skilled trades in high demand. Engineering opportunities abundant with German/European companies.