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Average salary by job family in Charleston
| Management | $134,650 |
|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical | $111,520 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $104,970 |
| Legal | $102,200 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $100,500 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $91,910 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $86,370 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $67,370 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $63,220 |
| Community and Social Service | $59,740 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $59,420 |
| Construction and Extraction | $57,000 |
| Protective Service | $53,730 |
| Production | $53,310 |
| Sales and Related | $52,900 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $49,380 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $48,050 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $46,740 |
| Healthcare Support | $41,220 |
| Personal Care and Service | $38,870 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $37,590 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $32,970 |
Highest-paying jobs in Charleston
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$340,400
- Anesthesiologists$288,600
- Dermatologists$269,420
- Nurse Anesthetists$265,820
- Family Medicine Physicians$256,810
- Physicians, All Other$246,080
- Chief Executives$226,000
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$181,020
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$180,210
- Financial Managers$172,860
Most common jobs in Charleston and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Salespersons | 11,930 | $35,750 | $34,090 |
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 10,850 | $29,650 | $28,500 |
| Registered Nurses | 9,760 | $91,710 | $92,800 |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 9,580 | $28,460 | $19,340 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 8,100 | $40,950 | $38,090 |
| Cashiers | 7,960 | $30,550 | $30,130 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 7,940 | $45,570 | $44,000 |
| Office Clerks, General | 6,890 | $41,200 | $39,250 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 6,040 | $37,260 | $36,710 |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 6,020 | $57,950 | $55,150 |
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Cost of living in Charleston
Prices in the Charleston area are in line with the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 101.0 for 2024. The average local salary of $64,260 therefore buys what $63,648 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $435,877, 5.3 times the median household income of $82,272.
$435,877typical home value
$82,272median household income
101.0BEA price parity
817,756metro population
Take-home pay in Charleston
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $36,510 | $31,087 | $2,591 |
| Median wage | $49,150 | $40,729 | $3,394 |
| Average wage | $64,260 | $51,868 | $4,322 |
| 75th percentile wage | $77,460 | $60,503 | $5,042 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Salaries for every job in Charleston
Management32 jobs
- Chief Executives$226K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$181K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$180K
- Financial Managers$173K
- Marketing Managers$168K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$166K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$152K
- Sales Managers$150K
- Purchasing Managers$145K
- Managers, All Other$140K
- Administrative Services Managers$139K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$138K
- Industrial Production Managers$137K
- Natural Sciences Managers$136K
- Human Resources Managers$136K
- General and Operations Managers$132K
- Training and Development Managers$127K
- Construction Managers$124K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$121K
- Public Relations Managers$119K
- Facilities Managers$119K
- Fundraising Managers$119K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$116K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$111K
- Emergency Management Directors$108K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$92K
- Social and Community Service Managers$88K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$84K
- Lodging Managers$82K
- Education Administrators, All Other$80K
- Food Service Managers$80K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$63K
Computer and Mathematical16 jobs
- Computer Network Architects$140K
- Database Architects$139K
- Software Developers$139K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$130K
- Computer and Information Research Scientists$122K
- Information Security Analysts$122K
- Computer Programmers$116K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$115K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$110K
- Computer Systems Analysts$109K
- Operations Research Analysts$103K
- Database Administrators$102K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$102K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$90K
- Web Developers$84K
- Computer User Support Specialists$64K
Architecture and Engineering27 jobs
- Aerospace Engineers$146K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$130K
- Computer Hardware Engineers$129K
- Nuclear Engineers$128K
- Engineers, All Other$125K
- Materials Engineers$124K
- Chemical Engineers$124K
- Industrial Engineers$115K
- Electrical Engineers$114K
- Mechanical Engineers$114K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$112K
- Civil Engineers$111K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$103K
- Landscape Architects$102K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$92K
- Environmental Engineers$91K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$88K
- Mechanical Drafters$85K
- Surveyors$76K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$76K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$76K
- Cartographers and Photogrammetrists$76K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$74K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$72K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$63K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$53K
Legal5 jobs
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical42 jobs
- General Internal Medicine Physicians$340K
- Anesthesiologists$289K
- Dermatologists$269K
- Nurse Anesthetists$266K
- Family Medicine Physicians$257K
- Physicians, All Other$246K
- Dentists, General$151K
- Pharmacists$141K
- Optometrists$137K
- Nurse Practitioners$127K
- Veterinarians$125K
- Physician Assistants$123K
- Physical Therapists$101K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$100K
- Radiation Therapists$100K
- Occupational Therapists$98K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$93K
- Dental Hygienists$92K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$92K
- Registered Nurses$92K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$83K
- Chiropractors$82K
- Respiratory Therapists$81K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$77K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$76K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$75K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$67K
- Surgical Assistants$64K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$64K
- Athletic Trainers$64K
- Surgical Technologists$62K
- Paramedics$60K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$59K
- Medical Records Specialists$58K
- Opticians, Dispensing$53K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$50K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$47K
- Pharmacy Technicians$46K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$45K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$45K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$45K
- Psychiatric Technicians$45K
Business and Financial Operations29 jobs
- Financial Examiners$147K
- Personal Financial Advisors$131K
- Management Analysts$117K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$109K
- Financial Risk Specialists$102K
- Project Management Specialists$100K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$98K
- Credit Analysts$94K
- Accountants and Auditors$92K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$92K
- Logisticians$90K
- Compliance Officers$90K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$89K
- Insurance Underwriters$88K
- Loan Officers$87K
- Budget Analysts$86K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$85K
- Cost Estimators$81K
- Labor Relations Specialists$81K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$79K
- Human Resources Specialists$78K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$77K
- Fundraisers$76K
- Training and Development Specialists$76K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$75K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$66K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$61K
- Tax Preparers$60K
- Credit Counselors$49K
Life, Physical, and Social Science21 jobs
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists$161K
- Biological Scientists, All Other$103K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$98K
- Chemists$97K
- Atmospheric and Space Scientists$95K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$88K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$88K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$87K
- Soil and Plant Scientists$83K
- Urban and Regional Planners$80K
- School Psychologists$80K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$76K
- Social Science Research Assistants$71K
- Chemical Technicians$69K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$65K
- Forest and Conservation Technicians$64K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$64K
- Conservation Scientists$63K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$62K
- Biological Technicians$60K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$50K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media18 jobs
- Art Directors$111K
- Technical Writers$93K
- Public Relations Specialists$85K
- Producers and Directors$78K
- Interior Designers$73K
- Editors$73K
- Writers and Authors$68K
- Interpreters and Translators$66K
- Graphic Designers$64K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$64K
- Coaches and Scouts$63K
- Audio and Video Technicians$63K
- Broadcast Technicians$57K
- Photographers$56K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$54K
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys$47K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$41K
- Floral Designers$36K
Educational Instruction and Library42 jobs
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary$121K
- Economics Teachers, Postsecondary$115K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$94K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- Physics Teachers, Postsecondary$90K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$88K
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$87K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$86K
- Instructional Coordinators$86K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$83K
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary$83K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$81K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$80K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$80K
- Atmospheric, Earth, Marine, and Space Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary$78K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$77K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$77K
- Social Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary, All Other$76K
- Foreign Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$76K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$76K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$70K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$69K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$67K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$67K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$67K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$67K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$65K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$65K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$64K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$60K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$60K
- Curators$56K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$53K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$49K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$48K
- Tutors$46K
- Library Technicians$44K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$36K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$33K
Community and Social Service14 jobs
- Social Workers, All Other$94K
- Health Education Specialists$79K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$67K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$66K
- Healthcare Social Workers$64K
- Clergy$62K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$60K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$59K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$58K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$57K
- Community Health Workers$56K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$46K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$46K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$43K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair31 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$85K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$82K
- Avionics Technicians$82K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$79K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$79K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$76K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$73K
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other$67K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$65K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$65K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$62K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$62K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$61K
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers$61K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$61K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$59K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$58K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$56K
- Riggers$55K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$54K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$54K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$53K
- Home Appliance Repairers$53K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$52K
- Motorcycle Mechanics$52K
- Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians$51K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$48K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$47K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$47K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$39K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$39K
Construction and Extraction26 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$80K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$62K
- Sheet Metal Workers$59K
- Electricians$59K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$59K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$58K
- Roofers$57K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$57K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$57K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$55K
- Carpenters$55K
- Floor Layers, Except Carpet, Wood, and Hard Tiles$54K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$53K
- Highway Maintenance Workers$50K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$49K
- Pipelayers$49K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$48K
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners$47K
- Construction Laborers$46K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$46K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$46K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$45K
- Helpers, Construction Trades, All Other$43K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$43K
- Helpers--Electricians$43K
- Helpers--Carpenters$38K
Protective Service18 jobs
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$100K
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$88K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$73K
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$71K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$69K
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators$64K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$63K
- Transportation Security Screeners$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$56K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$56K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$51K
- Parking Enforcement Workers$48K
- Firefighters$47K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$46K
- Security Guards$40K
- Bailiffs$37K
- School Bus Monitors$34K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$31K
Production51 jobs
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$91K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$81K
- Power Plant Operators$80K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Programmers$79K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$76K
- Tool and Die Makers$71K
- Chemical Plant and System Operators$69K
- Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$61K
- Machinists$59K
- Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$59K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$59K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$57K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$57K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$56K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$55K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$55K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$54K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$54K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$54K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$53K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$51K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$50K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$50K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$50K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Metal-Refining Furnace Operators and Tenders$48K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$47K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$47K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$46K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$45K
- Production Workers, All Other$45K
- Plating Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Rolling Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Upholsterers$44K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$44K
- Painting, Coating, and Decorating Workers$43K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$43K
- Woodworkers, All Other$42K
- Helpers--Production Workers$42K
- Printing Press Operators$42K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$41K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$40K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$40K
- Textile Cutting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$40K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$39K
- Sewing Machine Operators$39K
- Bakers$39K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$34K
- Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials$32K
Sales and Related17 jobs
- Sales Engineers$139K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$135K
- Insurance Sales Agents$93K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$84K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$83K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$82K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$82K
- Advertising Sales Agents$80K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$74K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$60K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$55K
- Travel Agents$45K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$42K
- Parts Salespersons$41K
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters$40K
- Retail Salespersons$36K
- Cashiers$31K
Office and Administrative Support42 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$73K
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$69K
- Postal Service Clerks$64K
- Brokerage Clerks$63K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$62K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$62K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$60K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$59K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$59K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$57K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$54K
- Procurement Clerks$53K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$53K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$53K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$52K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$52K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$52K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$51K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$51K
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks$50K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$48K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$48K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$48K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$47K
- Order Clerks$46K
- Bill and Account Collectors$46K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$46K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$46K
- Customer Service Representatives$46K
- File Clerks$45K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$45K
- Tellers$44K
- Data Entry Keyers$42K
- Office Clerks, General$41K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$40K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$40K
- Credit Authorizers, Checkers, and Clerks$39K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$38K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$37K
- Couriers and Messengers$37K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$37K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$32K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry1 jobs
Transportation and Material Moving26 jobs
- Commercial Pilots$129K
- Ship Engineers$96K
- Captains, Mates, and Pilots of Water Vessels$87K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$77K
- Crane and Tower Operators$75K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$66K
- Sailors and Marine Oilers$64K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$58K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$50K
- Bus Drivers, School$46K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$44K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$43K
- Airfield Operations Specialists$42K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$42K
- Light Truck Drivers$41K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$41K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$40K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$38K
- Driver/Sales Workers$37K
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other$36K
- Machine Feeders and Offbearers$36K
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$36K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$34K
- Passenger Attendants$34K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$33K
- Parking Attendants$33K
Healthcare Support14 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$74K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$66K
- Massage Therapists$63K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$53K
- Dental Assistants$51K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$47K
- Medical Assistants$44K
- Phlebotomists$42K
- Nursing Assistants$40K
- Pharmacy Aides$40K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$38K
- Medical Transcriptionists$36K
- Physical Therapist Aides$36K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$33K
Personal Care and Service18 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$59K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$52K
- Skincare Specialists$51K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$50K
- Tour and Travel Guides$50K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$48K
- Locker Room, Coatroom, and Dressing Room Attendants$46K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$46K
- Personal Care and Service Workers, All Other$44K
- Concierges$40K
- Recreation Workers$37K
- Residential Advisors$37K
- Manicurists and Pedicurists$36K
- Animal Caretakers$36K
- Childcare Workers$33K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$31K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$31K
- Baggage Porters and Bellhops$24K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance8 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$62K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$51K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$46K
- Pest Control Workers$45K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$41K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$39K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$34K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$72K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$46K
- Cooks, Restaurant$37K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$37K
- Food Preparation Workers$35K
- Cooks, Short Order$32K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$32K
- Dishwashers$32K
- Cooks, Fast Food$31K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$30K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$30K
- Waiters and Waitresses$28K
- Bartenders$28K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$27K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$26K
Jobs paid by the hour in Charleston
For 2 jobs in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area BLS publishes an hourly wage only, because the work is rarely full-time all year (gigs, seasons, performances). An annual figure would overstate what most people earn, so we show the hourly rate.
| Job | Average per hour | Median per hour | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Actors | $31.82 | $31.90 | 30 |
| Musicians and Singers | $20.32 | $13.11 | 140 |
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Charleston: questions
What is a good salary in Charleston?
Half of all workers in the Charleston metro earn less than $49,150 and the average is $64,260. Earning more than $77,460 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Charleston to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $70,441, because prices here are in line with the U.S. average (BEA price parity 101.0).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Charleston?
General Internal Medicine Physicians ($340,400), Anesthesiologists ($288,600), Dermatologists ($269,420).
What is the average salary in North Charleston?
North Charleston is part of the Charleston-North Charleston, SC metro area, where the average salary is $64,260 a year and the median $49,150. BLS does not publish separate wage figures for North Charleston, so these metro figures are the closest official guide.
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Charleston-North Charleston, SC (16700), all occupations and 513 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
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