Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in South Carolina
Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $137,870, which is slightly below the national average of $141,460. This localized pay rate is influenced by a combination of factors including the state's specific industry demands, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic landscape within the aerospace sector in South Carolina.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $137,870 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $164,210.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 450 Aerospace Engineers, South Carolina presents a niche but stable job market for these professionals. The location quotient of 0.45 indicates a lower concentration compared to the national average, suggesting that while the absolute number of jobs might not be as high as in major aerospace hubs, there is still a consistent demand for specialized talent within the state's aerospace industry.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina earns-2.5%below the national average.
$66.3
$2,651
$11,489
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Carolina's Aerospace Engineers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a trend of salary growth over the past four years, mirroring the national trajectory. The aerospace industry, driven by technological advancements and defense spending, generally sees consistent increases in compensation as demand for skilled engineers rises and the complexity of projects escalates.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in South Carolina
The salary landscape for Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina, like elsewhere, is significantly shaped by experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify career progression, rewarding accumulated knowledge and demonstrated leadership within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $102,270 | $49.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $103,403 | $49.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $131,820 | $63.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $172,338 | $82.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $164,210 | $78.9 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$137,870
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$143,764
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $137,870 in South Carolina is quite competitive when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9, which is slightly below the national average of 100, the nominal salary translates to a strong purchasing power for Aerospace Engineers residing in the state, making it an economically attractive location.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
0.2
Per 1K Jobs
0.45
Location Quotient
At 0.45x, South Carolina has a notably lower concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
A location quotient of 0.45 for Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina suggests that the profession is less concentrated here than the national average. This indicates that while South Carolina may not be a primary hub for aerospace engineering employment, the existing roles are likely specialized and potentially offer unique career development opportunities for those seeking to make a significant impact in a less saturated market.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina is $137,870. This typically ranges from $102,270 for entry-level positions to $164,210 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 2.5% lower than the national median of $141,460.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
Yes, with a caveat regarding the national average.Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina earn a competitive average salary of $137,870, which is only slightly below the national average. Combined with a cost of living index below 100, this makes the state an economically favorable location.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
How does South Carolina's Aerospace Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina is $137,870, which is approximately 2.5% lower than the national average of $141,460.
What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina?
The location quotient for Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina is 0.45, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (100 being the national average), South Carolina offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the national average, making the $137,870 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
What is the total number of Aerospace Engineers in South Carolina?
There are approximately 450 Aerospace Engineers employed in South Carolina.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 0.2 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Aerospace Engineers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in South Carolina
- All Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Production Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Management Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in South Carolina
- Browse All Jobs in South Carolina →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Carolina