Average Machinists Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Machinists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earn an average annual salary of $54,830. This figure is slightly below the national average of $57,000, a common occurrence in regions with specific industrial demands that may influence compensation structures. Local economic factors and the specific needs of Charleston-North Charleston's manufacturing sector play a significant role in shaping this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,830 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 4.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,620.
- Outlook: The Charleston-North Charleston area supports a local workforce of 470 Machinists. With a Location Quotient of 0.62, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a moderate but not saturated job market. The presence of 1.209 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a steady demand for skilled Machinists within the region's industrial landscape.
Salary Overview
The average Machinists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC earns-3.8%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,054
$4,569
Machinists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Charleston-North Charleston Machinists isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth, inflation, and increasing demand for precision manufacturing typically drive salary increases for skilled trades like machining.
Machinists Salary Distribution in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
The career trajectory for Machinists typically involves significant salary growth with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior Machinists with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career progression and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $32,440 | $15.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,123 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,370 | $26.6 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,538 | $33 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,620 | $35.4 |
Detailed Machinists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,830
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,830
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Machinist salary of $54,830 in Charleston-North Charleston aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary holds its purchasing power directly against the national standard, offering a balanced financial outlook for residents.
Job Market Context
470
Total Jobs
1.209
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Charleston-North Charleston, SC has 0.62x the national average concentration of Machinists 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 0.62 indicates that Machinists are less concentrated in Charleston-North Charleston compared to the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, the job market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals seeking employment without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Machinists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Sumter, SC Machinists Salary | $51,370↓ 6% | 81 mi |
| Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC Machinists Salary | $39,510↓ 28% | 88 mi |
| Savannah, GA Machinists Salary | $53,380↓ 3% | 89 mi |
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Machinists Salary | $51,850↓ 5% | 91 mi |
Comparing salaries near Charleston-North Charleston, SC
Hiring Machinistss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Machinists make in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The median annual salary for a Machinists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $54,830. This typically ranges from $32,440 for entry-level positions to $73,620 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 3.8% lower than the national median of $57,000.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a lucrative place for Machinists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $54,830 is stable with the national cost of living, it falls slightly below the national average salary for Machinists. The lower location quotient also suggests a less concentrated market.
Is Charleston-North Charleston, SC a good place to live for Machinists?
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 Sumter, SC ($51,370) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does the Charleston-North Charleston Machinist salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Machinists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is $54,830, which is slightly lower than the national average of $57,000.
What is the Cost of Living in Charleston-North Charleston, SC for Machinists?
The Cost of Living Index in Charleston-North Charleston, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is consistent with the national standard.
How concentrated is the Machinist job market in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
The Machinist job market in Charleston-North Charleston, SC has a Location Quotient of 0.62, indicating it is less concentrated than the national average.
What is the total number of Machinists in Charleston-North Charleston, SC?
There are approximately 470 Machinists 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 470 employees in the Charleston-North Charleston, SC area with a job density of 1.209 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Machinists Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- All Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Management Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Production Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Charleston-North Charleston, SC
- Browse All Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Machinists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Charleston-North Charleston, SC