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Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC

In Charleston-North Charleston, SC, Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors earn an impressive average annual salary of $64,170. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $60,060, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher compensation for these vital professionals in the region. The specific economic landscape and employer needs within Charleston-North Charleston contribute to this elevated pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $64,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,290.
  • Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area demonstrates a robust job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, evidenced by a total local workforce of 1,210 in this role. With a Location Quotient of 1.4, the concentration of these professionals is significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a strong and sustained demand for their services within the local economy.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$64,170

The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns+6.8%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.9

Weekly

$1,234

Monthly

$5,348

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston-North Charleston typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior counselors with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to educational institutions and organizations.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$40,240$19.3
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$48,128$23.1
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$63,900$30.7
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$80,213$38.6
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$90,290$43.4

Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$64,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$64,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $64,170 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 counselor's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment for residents.

Job Market Context

1,210

Total Jobs

3.11

Per 1K Jobs

1.4

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.40, Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.4 signifies that Charleston-North Charleston has a higher concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where employers may actively seek out skilled professionals, and opportunities for career advancement are present.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?

The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $64,170. This typically ranges from $40,240 for entry-level positions to $90,290 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 6.8% higher than the national median of $60,060.

Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?

Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $64,170 is higher than the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?

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 ($63,470) and Sumter, SC.

How does the local job market compare to the national average for this role?

The local job market in Charleston-North Charleston is more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.4, suggesting higher demand relative to the national landscape.

What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?

With 3.11 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric indicates the prevalence of counselor positions within the local workforce, showing a healthy presence of these roles.

How does experience impact salary for counselors in Charleston-North Charleston?

Experience is a key driver of salary, with entry-level positions offering lower compensation and senior roles commanding significantly higher salaries, reflecting increased expertise and responsibility.

Is the salary in Charleston-North Charleston sufficient for the cost of living?

Yes, the average salary of $64,170 is well-aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, meaning your earnings will have the same purchasing power as the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,210 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 3.11 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.