Business & Finance North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Economist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median economist salary in North Charleston, SC is $108,243 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$108,243
vs State Avg
+$6,836
vs National
$-5,697
Cost of Living
95%

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

North Charleston offers a median economist salary of $108,243, which is $6,836 above the South Carolina state average of $101,407. Compared to the national median of $113,940, 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 economists in North Charleston spans from $58,900 at the 10th percentile to $188,100 at the 90th percentile — a $129,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,750, while senior economists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,750. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Economist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level economist earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,750
$-3,250 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,750
$-9,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $58,900
25th Percentile $77,900
Median (50th) $108,243
75th Percentile $147,250
90th Percentile $188,100

Economist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$119,637
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$113,940
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$104,825
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$102,546
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Economist in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

EconometricsStatistical AnalysisR/PythonEconomic ModelingResearch MethodsPolicy Analysis

Job Outlook

Nationally, economist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in North Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Economist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open economist positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Economist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Economist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median economist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $108,243 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $113,940. Salaries range from $58,900 (10th percentile) to $188,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Economist make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,243, a economist in North Charleston earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for economist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median economist salary of $108,243 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $101,407. 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 economist salary of $108,243 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a economist in North Charleston? ▼
Most economist positions in North Charleston require a master's degree. Key skills include Econometrics, Statistical Analysis, R/Python, Economic Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.