What Is a Good Salary in South Carolina?
Understand what a good salary truly means in South Carolina by exploring its value, cost of living, and key financial factors.
Determining a “good” salary in South Carolina requires understanding the interplay between earnings, personal financial goals, and the local cost of living. What is adequate for one person may be insufficient for another, depending on lifestyle, family size, and financial obligations. This article provides an overview of salary landscapes and living expenses in South Carolina, helping individuals evaluate their earning potential against the state’s economic realities.
Defining a Good Salary in South Carolina
A good salary supports an individual’s desired quality of life and financial objectives. This includes meeting essential needs, allowing for discretionary spending, and enabling savings for future goals such as retirement or homeownership. The concept is subjective, varying based on personal circumstances and financial responsibilities. For instance, a single person’s financial requirements will differ greatly from those of a household with dependents.
The true value of a salary is understood through its purchasing power, indicating how much goods and services it can acquire. A higher nominal salary in a high cost of living area might provide less real purchasing power than a lower salary in a more affordable region. Evaluating a “good” salary in South Carolina necessitates considering local prices for housing, transportation, and daily necessities.
Average Salary Landscapes in South Carolina
South Carolina’s salary landscape reflects a diverse economy, with overall figures providing a general benchmark for earnings. As of August 2025, the average annual salary in South Carolina is around $48,827, translating to approximately $23.47 per hour. The median income for the state is $54,097 per year, or $30.03 per hour. These figures represent typical earnings across various occupations and experience levels.
Median household income in South Carolina was $67,800 in 2023, about 12.8% lower than the national median. For individuals living alone, the median income is approximately $35,706. Full-time workers earned an average of $70,761, with a median of $52,074, according to 2023 data.
Cost of Living Impact on Salary Value
The real value of a salary in South Carolina is significantly influenced by the state’s cost of living, which is generally considered more affordable than the national average. South Carolina’s overall cost of living is approximately 9% lower than the national average. Housing expenses are a major component, with average rent for all property types being around $1,830 per month as of August 2025. A one-bedroom apartment averages $1,392 per month, while a two-bedroom averages $1,556. The median home cost in South Carolina is about $259,900, considerably lower than the national median.
Utility costs in South Carolina can be higher than the national average, particularly during hot summer months due to increased air conditioning usage. The average monthly cost for utilities is approximately $453. This includes around $206 per month for electricity and varying costs for natural gas, water, and internet services. Transportation expenses are generally affordable, with annual costs ranging from about $10,477 to $17,554 depending on household size.
Grocery costs in South Carolina are comparable to or slightly higher than the national average, with a family of four spending an estimated $1,401 per month. Healthcare costs are lower than the national average, with an estimated annual cost of $6,677 per person. Individual health insurance premiums for an average Silver plan are about $538 per month before subsidies.
Key Factors Shaping Salaries in South Carolina
Salaries across South Carolina are shaped by several factors, including industry, specific job role, education, and experience. Different economic sectors offer varying compensation levels. For instance, high-paying fields like Information Technology and Healthcare can offer salaries exceeding $100,000 annually, while common roles such as teachers typically earn around $43,233 per year.
The level of education significantly impacts earning potential. Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in South Carolina earn an average of $57,407 annually, while those with a graduate or professional degree can expect to earn around $67,170. Entry-level positions generally range from $29,000 to $50,000 per year, and experienced professionals can earn $50,000 to $100,000 or more. Specialized certifications and years of professional experience also correlate directly with higher salary potential.
Geographic location within South Carolina also plays a significant role in salary variations. Major metropolitan areas like Charleston and Greenville tend to have higher costs of living and higher median salaries, with Charleston’s median salary reaching $57,431. Smaller cities and rural areas, such as Anderson or Myrtle Beach, have lower median salaries, though their lower cost of living can offset some of this difference.