Science & Research North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Chemist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median chemist salary in North Charleston, SC is $78,651 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$78,651
vs State Avg
+$4,968
vs National
$-4,139
Cost of Living
95%

Chemist Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median chemist salary of $78,651, which is $4,968 above the South Carolina state average of $73,683. Compared to the national median of $82,790, North Charleston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

North Charleston's cost of living is 95% 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 chemists in North Charleston spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $134,900 at the 90th percentile — a $89,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior chemists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $128,250. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Chemist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level chemist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $128,250 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$47,500
$-2,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,800
$-4,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$128,250
$-6,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $58,900
Median (50th) $78,651
75th Percentile $103,550
90th Percentile $134,900

Chemist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$86,930
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$82,790
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$76,167
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$74,511
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Chemist in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in North Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Chemist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open chemist positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Chemist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median chemist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $78,651 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $134,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,651, a chemist in North Charleston earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for chemist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median chemist salary of $78,651 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $73,683. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in North Charleston, SC? ▼
North Charleston has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a chemist salary of $78,651 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in North Charleston? ▼
Most chemist positions in North Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.