Engineering Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median aerospace engineer salary in Charleston, SC is $126,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$126,880
vs State Avg
+$13,957
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $126,880, which is $13,957 above the South Carolina state average of $112,923. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Charleston pays above average for this role.

Charleston's cost of living is 100% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Charleston spans from $78,000 at the 10th percentile to $192,000 at the 90th percentile — a $114,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $80,000, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $185,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $80,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $185,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$128,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$185,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $78,000
25th Percentile $100,000
Median (50th) $126,880
75th Percentile $160,000
90th Percentile $192,000

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Charleston

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Charleston

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $126,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $78,000 (10th percentile) to $192,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $126,880, a aerospace engineer in Charleston earns approximately $61 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Charleston's median aerospace engineer salary of $126,880 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $112,923. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Charleston, SC? ▼
Charleston has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $126,880 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Charleston? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.