Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Instructional Designer Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median instructional designer salary in Charleston, SC is $72,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$72,000
vs State Avg
+$7,920
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Instructional Designer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median instructional designer salary of $72,000, which is $7,920 above the South Carolina state average of $64,080. Compared to the national median of $72,000, 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 instructional designers in Charleston spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $118,000 at the 90th percentile — a $74,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,000, while senior instructional designers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $112,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Instructional Designer Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $46,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $112,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$74,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$112,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $56,000
Median (50th) $72,000
75th Percentile $95,000
90th Percentile $118,000

Instructional Designer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Instructional Designer in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook

Nationally, instructional designer 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 Instructional Designer Jobs in Charleston

Browse open instructional designer positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Charleston

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $72,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $118,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $72,000, a instructional designer in Charleston earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for instructional designer pay? ▼
Charleston's median instructional designer salary of $72,000 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $64,080. 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 instructional designer salary of $72,000 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a instructional designer in Charleston? ▼
Most instructional designer positions in Charleston require a master's degree. Key skills include Instructional Design, Articulate/Captivate, LMS, ADDIE Model. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.