Average Civil Engineers Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Civil Engineers in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area earn an average annual salary of $103,770. This figure is slightly below the national average of $106,590, suggesting a localized market dynamic influencing compensation. Factors such as regional project demand, local economic conditions, and the specific needs of the South Carolina construction and infrastructure sectors likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,770 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $147,090.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area supports a robust workforce of 1,280 Civil Engineers. With a Location Quotient of 1.43, indicating a concentration of these professionals significantly above the national average, the demand for Civil Engineers in this region appears strong and specialized. The presence of 3.297 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the active job market for this profession in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-2.6%below the national average.
$49.9
$1,996
$8,648
Civil Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Civil Engineer salaries in Charleston-North Charleston have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased infrastructure investment, urban development projects, and a growing population in the region likely contribute to sustained demand and upward pressure on compensation for skilled Civil Engineers.
Civil Engineers Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized expertise and project management capabilities can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the increasing value placed on experience and leadership within the local engineering field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,990 | $31.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,828 | $37.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $98,880 | $47.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $129,713 | $62.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $147,090 | $70.7 |
Detailed Civil Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,770
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,770
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $103,770 for Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary in this area is comparable to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for professionals considering a move to or within the region.
Job Market Context
1,280
Total Jobs
3.297
Per 1K Jobs
1.43
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.43, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Civil Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.43 signifies that Civil Engineers are notably more concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston than the national average. This suggests a specialized and potentially competitive market where the demand for these professionals is higher relative to other occupations, offering ample opportunities for skilled individuals within the local infrastructure and development sectors.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Civil Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Civil Engineers Salary | $102,320↓ 1% | 63 mi |
| Sumter, SC Civil Engineers Salary | $91,850↓ 11% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Civil Engineers Salary | $87,530↓ 16% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Civil Engineers Salary | $106,280↑ 2% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Civil Engineers Salary | $91,370↓ 12% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Civil Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Civil Engineers make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $103,770. This typically ranges from $64,990 for entry-level positions to $147,090 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 2.6% lower than the national median of $106,590.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Civil Engineers?
Yes, it is a competitive place for Civil Engineers.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of Civil Engineers (LQ 1.43) and a cost of living at the national average indicate a stable and opportunity-rich market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC ($102,320) and Sumter, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston is $103,770, which is slightly lower than the national average of $106,590.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston for Civil Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of a Civil Engineer's salary is on par with the national standard.
Is there high demand for Civil Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.43 indicates a higher concentration of Civil Engineers than the national average, suggesting strong regional demand for their expertise.
How many Civil Engineers work in Charleston-North Charleston?
There are approximately 1,280 Civil Engineers employed in the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,280 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 3.297 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Civil Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC