Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

College Professor Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median college professor salary in Charleston, SC is $83,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$83,880
vs State Avg
+$9,227
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

College Professor Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median college professor salary of $83,880, which is $9,227 above the South Carolina state average of $74,653. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Charleston spans from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $168,000 at the 90th percentile — a $123,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $48,000, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $160,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level college professor earns around $48,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $160,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$86,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$160,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $60,000
Median (50th) $83,880
75th Percentile $120,000
90th Percentile $168,000

College Professor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a College Professor in Charleston

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find College Professor Jobs in Charleston

Browse open college professor positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Charleston

How much does a College Professor make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median college professor salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $83,880 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $168,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $83,880, a college professor in Charleston earns approximately $40 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for college professor pay? ▼
Charleston's median college professor salary of $83,880 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $74,653. 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 college professor salary of $83,880 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Charleston? ▼
Most college professor positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.