Trades & Labor South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Carpenter Salary in South Carolina

The median carpenter salary in South Carolina is $45,737 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $51,390.

Median Salary
$45,737
vs National
$-5,653
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Carpenter Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for carpenter compensation. Carpenter salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $45,737 per year, carpenters in South Carolina earn $5,653 less than the national median of $51,390.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $45,737 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $51,390 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: carpenters at the 10th percentile earn $30,616, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $73,158 — a $42,542 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 $53,960.

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for carpenters across the country.

Carpenter Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level carpenter earns around $28,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,420 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,280
$-5,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,420
$-8,580 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $30,616
25th Percentile $36,846
Median (50th) $45,737
75th Percentile $57,850
90th Percentile $73,158

Carpenter Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for carpenters 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 Carpenter in South Carolina

Education

Most carpenter positions require a high school diploma. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FramingBlueprint ReadingPower ToolsMeasurementBuilding CodeFinish Carpentry

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, carpenter employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Carpenter Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Carpenter make in South Carolina? ▼
The median carpenter salary in South Carolina is $45,737 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $30,616 (10th percentile) to $73,158 (90th percentile).
How much does a Carpenter make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,737, a carpenter in South Carolina earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for carpenters? ▼
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for carpenter pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level carpenters earn $28,480, while senior professionals earn $69,420.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for carpenter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for carpenters is Hawaii at $91,474. South Carolina's median of $45,737 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($45,737) and Oklahoma ($45,737).
What is the entry-level carpenter salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level carpenter in South Carolina earns approximately $28,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,280. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,420.
What city in South Carolina pays carpenters the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for carpenters, with a median salary of $53,960. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.