Average Salary in South Carolina

Average wage, unemployment, and how South Carolina ranks — from official BLS data.

Average annual wage
$66,352
Unemployment
4.8%
Pay rank
#41 / 51

The average worker in South Carolina earns about $66,352 a year across all industriesabout $587 below the national average. Roughly 2,344,709 jobs are covered in the state.

Compare your own pay against your occupation with the Salary Comparison Calculator, check everyday prices on the Cost of Living page, or see the full state ranking.

How it works

The average annual wage for South Carolina is the BLS QCEW average weekly wage across all covered industries, annualized (2025 Q4). The unemployment rate is the seasonally adjusted state figure from BLS LAUS. These are averages — a typical (median) worker usually earns less than the average, which is pulled up by high earners.

Good to know

  • Average wage is employer-reported and covers ~95% of US jobs; it runs higher than the median.
  • Weigh South Carolina's wage against its cost of living and rent before comparing states.
  • Figures refresh as BLS releases new quarters.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average salary in South Carolina?

The average annual wage in South Carolina is about $66,352, based on the BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (2025 Q4) — the average across all covered industries.

What is the unemployment rate in South Carolina?

South Carolina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.8% (BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics).

How does South Carolina rank for pay?

South Carolina ranks #41 of 51 states (and DC) by average wage.