Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in South Carolina
In South Carolina, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $79,470. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, suggesting that regional economic factors, industry concentration, and potentially lower demand influence compensation within the state. Understanding these local dynamics is crucial for career planning and salary expectations in the Palmetto State.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $79,470 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $126,280.
- Outlook: South Carolina's job market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is supported by a substantial workforce of 16,040 individuals. While the Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average, the presence of over 16,000 professionals signifies a stable, albeit not hyper-concentrated, demand for these specialized roles within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Carolina earns-13.5%below the national average.
$38.2
$1,528
$6,623
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Carolina have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development, increased investment in research and development, and evolving industry needs likely contribute to a steady upward trajectory in compensation for skilled professionals in these fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in South Carolina
Salary progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Carolina typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles highlight clear opportunities for 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) | $42,050 | $20.2 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $59,603 | $28.7 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $67,250 | $32.3 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $99,338 | $47.8 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $126,280 | $60.7 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$79,470
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$82,868
Adjusted for COL (95.9)
The average annual salary of $79,470 in South Carolina presents a favorable financial outlook when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 95.9. Since this index is below the national average of 100, the nominal salary offers a comparatively higher purchasing power, meaning that the earned income can stretch further in South Carolina than in many other parts of the country, enhancing the overall financial well-being for these professionals.
Job Market Context
16,040
Total Jobs
7.062
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
South Carolina has 0.75x the national average concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, the market for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Carolina is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the field may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled individuals. Employers might actively seek specialized talent, making it a potentially advantageous environment for those with in-demand expertise.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $71,920↓ 10% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $81,290↑ 2% | 32 mi |
| Florence, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,810↓ 7% | 70 mi |
| Augusta-Richmond County, GA-SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $90,600↑ 14% | 73 mi |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $83,710↑ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near South Carolina
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in South Carolina?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in South Carolina is $79,470. This typically ranges from $42,050 for entry-level positions to $126,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Carolina is 13.5% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is South Carolina a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, but cost of living offers value.While the average salary of $79,470 is below the national average, South Carolina's lower cost of living (95.9) means your earnings may have greater purchasing power.
Is South Carolina a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Carolina?
Some top paying nearby cities include Columbia, SC ($71,920) and Sumter, SC.
How does South Carolina's average salary compare to the national average for these science roles?
The average annual salary in South Carolina for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations is $79,470, which is lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations professionals in South Carolina?
South Carolina has a Location Quotient of 0.75 for these occupations, indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average.
How does the cost of living in South Carolina affect the value of the average salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 95.9 (below the national average of 100), the $79,470 salary in South Carolina offers relatively good purchasing power.
What does the total workforce size suggest about job opportunities?
A total local workforce of 16,040 in these science fields indicates a significant presence and a stable job market within the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 16,040 employees in the South Carolina area with a job density of 7.062 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Carolina