Average Computer Network Architects Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Computer Network Architects earn an average annual salary of $126,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $137,200, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and industry demand within the area. While the nominal salary may be lower, the cost of living parity offers a unique perspective on purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $126,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $180,930.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a dedicated workforce of 320 Computer Network Architects. With a Location Quotient of 0.72, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not oversaturated job market. The presence of 0.825 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, albeit moderate, demand for skilled network architecture expertise.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Network Architects in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-7.9%below the national average.
$60.8
$2,431
$10,533
Computer Network Architects Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston's Computer Network Architect salaries is not provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, increasing reliance on sophisticated network infrastructure, and the evolving cybersecurity landscape typically drive salary increases for these specialized IT roles.
Computer Network Architects Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Salary progression for Computer Network Architects is strongly tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior architects with extensive experience in complex network design, implementation, and security can earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated knowledge and proven performance.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $79,630 | $38.3 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $94,800 | $45.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $127,020 | $61.1 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $158,000 | $76 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $180,930 | $87 |
Detailed Computer Network Architects Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$126,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$126,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $126,400 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns precisely with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living standpoint. While the salary is below the national average for the role, the stable cost of living ensures that the earned income retains its value.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
0.825
Per 1K Jobs
0.72
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.72x the national average concentration of Computer Network Architects jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.72 indicates that Computer Network Architects are somewhat less concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is established, the market may not be saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals. The demand, represented by jobs per 1,000 workers, points to a steady need for these specialists within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Computer Network Architects
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, SC Computer Network Architects Salary | $92,260↓ 27% | 63 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Computer Network Architects Salary | $98,470↓ 22% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Computer Network Architects Salary | $125,640↓ 1% | 89 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Computer Network Architectss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Network Architects make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Network Architects in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $126,400. This typically ranges from $79,630 for entry-level positions to $180,930 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 7.9% lower than the national median of $137,200.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Computer Network Architects?
Moderately so, with stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $126,400 is below the national average, the cost of living being on par with the national average means your salary retains its value. The market is stable, not oversaturated, offering consistent opportunities.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Computer Network Architects?
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 ($92,260) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Computer Network Architects in Charleston-North Charleston is $126,400, which is approximately 8% lower than the national average of $137,200.
What is the cost of living in Charleston-North Charleston relative to the nation?
Charleston-North Charleston has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.
How concentrated is the job market for Computer Network Architects in this area?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.72, indicating that Computer Network Architects are slightly less prevalent in Charleston-North Charleston than the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers signify for this role?
With 0.825 jobs per 1,000 workers, there is a steady, moderate demand for Computer Network Architects in Charleston-North Charleston, suggesting consistent employment opportunities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 0.825 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 Network Architects • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC