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

Environmental Scientist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median environmental scientist salary in North Charleston, SC is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$72,704
vs State Avg
+$4,592
vs National
$-3,826
Cost of Living
95%

Environmental Scientist Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median environmental scientist salary of $72,704, which is $4,592 above the South Carolina state average of $68,112. Compared to the national median of $76,530, 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 environmental scientists in North Charleston spans from $45,600 at the 10th percentile to $119,700 at the 90th percentile — a $74,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $47,500, while senior environmental scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $114,000. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Scientist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $47,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 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)
$74,100
$-3,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $45,600
25th Percentile $56,050
Median (50th) $72,704
75th Percentile $94,050
90th Percentile $119,700

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$80,357
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$76,530
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$70,408
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$68,877
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist 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 Environmental Scientist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open environmental scientist positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $72,704 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $45,600 (10th percentile) to $119,700 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,704, a environmental scientist in North Charleston earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median environmental scientist salary of $72,704 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $68,112. 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 environmental scientist salary of $72,704 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in North Charleston? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in North Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.