Agriculture & Environment South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Agricultural Scientist Salary in South Carolina

The median agricultural scientist salary in South Carolina is $66,002 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $74,160.

Median Salary
$66,002
vs National
$-8,158
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Agricultural Scientist Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist compensation. Agricultural Scientist salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $66,002 per year, agricultural scientists in South Carolina earn $8,158 less than the national median of $74,160.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $66,002 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $74,160 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: agricultural scientists at the 10th percentile earn $39,160, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $108,580 — a $69,420 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $77,868.

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for agricultural scientists across the country.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $42,720, while experienced professionals earn up to $102,350 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,720
$-5,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,640
$-8,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$102,350
$-12,650 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $39,160
25th Percentile $49,840
Median (50th) $66,002
75th Percentile $87,220
90th Percentile $108,580

Agricultural Scientist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for agricultural scientists in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in South Carolina

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in South Carolina is $66,002 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $39,160 (10th percentile) to $108,580 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,002, a agricultural scientist in South Carolina earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for agricultural scientists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level agricultural scientists earn $42,720, while senior professionals earn $102,350.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for agricultural scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for agricultural scientists is Hawaii at $126,072. South Carolina's median of $66,002 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($66,744) and Iowa ($66,002).
What is the entry-level agricultural scientist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level agricultural scientist in South Carolina earns approximately $42,720 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $67,640. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $102,350.
What city in South Carolina pays agricultural scientists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for agricultural scientists, with a median salary of $77,868. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.