Creative & Education South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Archivist Salary in South Carolina

The median archivist salary in South Carolina is $52,190 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $58,640.

Median Salary
$52,190
vs National
$-6,450
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Archivist Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for archivist compensation. Archivist salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $52,190 per year, archivists in South Carolina earn $6,450 less than the national median of $58,640.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $52,190 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $58,640 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: archivists at the 10th percentile earn $32,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,660 — a $51,620 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 $61,572.

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for archivists across the country.

Archivist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level archivist earns around $33,820, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,820
$-4,180 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $32,040
25th Percentile $40,940
Median (50th) $52,190
75th Percentile $67,640
90th Percentile $83,660

Archivist Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for archivists 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 Archivist in South Carolina

Education

Most archivist positions require a master's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Archival ScienceCatalogingDigital PreservationResearchDatabase ManagementMetadata

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% 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: Archivist Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Archivist make in South Carolina? ▼
The median archivist salary in South Carolina is $52,190 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $58,640. Salaries range from $32,040 (10th percentile) to $83,660 (90th percentile).
How much does a Archivist make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,190, a archivist in South Carolina earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for archivists? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for archivist pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level archivists earn $33,820, while senior professionals earn $78,320.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for archivist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for archivists is Hawaii at $99,688. South Carolina's median of $52,190 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($52,776) and Iowa ($52,190).
What is the entry-level archivist salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level archivist in South Carolina earns approximately $33,820 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,320.
What city in South Carolina pays archivists the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for archivists, with a median salary of $61,572. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.