Average Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Computer and Information Research Scientists earn an average annual salary of $118,750. This figure is notably below the national average of $167,850, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry concentration, or specific employer compensation strategies are influencing pay rates in this region. Understanding these local factors is crucial for professionals in this field.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $118,750 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $148,010.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area exhibits a significant concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 4.12, far exceeding the national average. With 1.027 jobs per 1,000 workers and a total local workforce of 400 in this specialized field, the demand appears robust and the market is more concentrated than in many other parts of the country.
Salary Overview
The average Computer and Information Research Scientists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-29.3%below the national average.
$57.1
$2,284
$9,896
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Computer and Information Research Scientists have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for AI and machine learning expertise, coupled with a growing tech sector, typically drive upward salary adjustments in specialized IT roles.
Computer and Information Research Scientists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Computer and Information Research Scientists typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with advanced degrees and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles reflects the increasing value placed on specialized knowledge and leadership in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $82,620 | $39.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $89,063 | $42.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $122,760 | $59 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $148,438 | $71.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $148,010 | $71.2 |
Detailed Computer and Information Research Scientists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$118,750
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$118,750
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $118,750 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Computer and Information Research Scientist's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
400
Total Jobs
1.027
Per 1K Jobs
4.12
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 4.1x the national concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
A Location Quotient of 4.12 signifies a highly concentrated market for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Charleston-North Charleston, indicating that this profession is significantly more prevalent here than the national average. This high concentration suggests a specialized demand within the local economy, potentially driven by specific industries or research institutions, making it a key hub for this talent.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer and Information Research Scientists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Computer and Information Research Scientists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $118,750. This typically ranges from $82,620 for entry-level positions to $148,010 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 29.3% lower than the national median of $167,850.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
Yes, it offers a stable financial environment.While the average salary of $118,750 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The high concentration of these roles also indicates strong local demand.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Computer and Information Research Scientists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer and Information Research Scientists in Charleston-North Charleston is $118,750, which is considerably lower than the national average of $167,850.
What is the concentration of Computer and Information Research Scientists in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration is very high, with a Location Quotient of 4.12, meaning the profession is over four times more common in this area than the national average.
Does the cost of living affect the Charleston-North Charleston salary?
No, the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston is exactly at the national average (100), so the $118,750 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does a high Location Quotient indicate for this job market?
A high Location Quotient (4.12) suggests that Charleston-North Charleston has a disproportionately large number of Computer and Information Research Scientists compared to other regions, indicating a specialized and potentially strong local demand for these professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 400 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.027 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer and Information Research Scientists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC