Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC, earn an average annual salary of $125,350. This figure is notably below the national average of $158,430, suggesting that local market dynamics, industry demand, and potentially the cost of doing business in the region influence compensation levels for this specialized role.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $125,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $178,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 230 Computer Hardware Engineers, Charleston-North Charleston exhibits a moderate concentration of these professionals, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.19. This suggests a slightly higher presence than the national average, implying a stable, albeit not overwhelmingly saturated, demand for their expertise within the local economic landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-20.9%below the national average.
$60.3
$2,411
$10,446
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston's Computer Hardware Engineers is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, technological advancements, and inflation typically drive increases in compensation for skilled engineering roles.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Computer Hardware Engineers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior engineers with extensive project leadership and specialized knowledge can command salaries well above the $125,350 mark, with percentile gaps clearly signifying career advancement and increased earning potential.
| 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) | $94,013 | $45.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $120,810 | $58.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $156,688 | $75.3 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $178,610 | $85.9 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$125,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$125,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $125,350 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents without the immediate pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.585
Per 1K Jobs
1.19
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.19, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.19 indicates that Charleston-North Charleston has a slightly higher concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers relative to the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where employers may need to offer competitive compensation to attract and retain top talent, while also providing ample opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $125,350. This typically ranges from $82,620 for entry-level positions to $178,610 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 20.9% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Moderately. While the salary is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, and the job market shows a slightly higher concentration of these roles.Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston earn $125,350 annually, which is less than the national average. However, the local cost of living is also average, and the job market has a slightly higher concentration of these roles, indicating stable demand.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does Charleston-North Charleston's salary compare to the national average for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The average salary for Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $125,350, which is below the national average of $158,430.
What is the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is at the national average, with an index of 100.
How concentrated are Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston?
The concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers in Charleston-North Charleston is slightly above the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.19.
How many Computer Hardware Engineers work in Charleston-North Charleston?
There are approximately 230 Computer Hardware Engineers employed in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 230 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.585 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 Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC