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

Geologist Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median geologist salary in North Charleston, SC is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$79,496
vs State Avg
+$5,021
vs National
$-4,184
Cost of Living
95%

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

North Charleston offers a median geologist salary of $79,496, which is $5,021 above the South Carolina state average of $74,475. Compared to the national median of $83,680, 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 geologists in North Charleston spans from $48,450 at the 10th percentile to $140,600 at the 90th percentile — a $92,150 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,300, while senior geologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $133,000. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Geologist Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level geologist earns around $51,300, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $48,450
25th Percentile $59,850
Median (50th) $79,496
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Geologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$87,864
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$83,680
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$76,986
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$75,312
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Geologist in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist 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 Geologist Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open geologist positions in North Charleston, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Geologist make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median geologist salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $79,496 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $48,450 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,496, a geologist 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 geologist pay? ▼
North Charleston's median geologist salary of $79,496 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $74,475. 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 geologist salary of $79,496 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in North Charleston? ▼
Most geologist positions in North Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.