Creative & Education South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Librarian Salary in South Carolina

The median librarian salary in South Carolina is $54,459 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $61,190.

Median Salary
$54,459
vs National
$-6,731
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Librarian Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for librarian compensation. Librarian salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $54,459 per year, librarians in South Carolina earn $6,731 less than the national median of $61,190.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $54,459 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $61,190 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: librarians at the 10th percentile earn $34,888, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $85,974 — a $51,086 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $64,250.

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for librarians across the country.

Librarian Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level librarian earns around $37,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,320 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,380
$-4,620 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,180
$-6,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,320
$-9,680 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $34,888
25th Percentile $43,610
Median (50th) $54,459
75th Percentile $68,708
90th Percentile $85,974

Librarian Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for librarians in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Librarian in South Carolina

Education

Most librarian positions require a master's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Information ScienceResearchCatalogingCommunity ProgrammingDigital LiteracyDatabase Management

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, librarian employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Librarian Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Librarian make in South Carolina? ▼
The median librarian salary in South Carolina is $54,459 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $61,190. Salaries range from $34,888 (10th percentile) to $85,974 (90th percentile).
How much does a Librarian make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,459, a librarian in South Carolina earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for librarians? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for librarian pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level librarians earn $37,380, while senior professionals earn $78,320.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for librarian salary? ▼
The highest paying state for librarians is Hawaii at $104,023. South Carolina's median of $54,459 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($55,071) and Iowa ($54,459).
What is the entry-level librarian salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level librarian in South Carolina earns approximately $37,380 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $78,320.
What city in South Carolina pays librarians the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for librarians, with a median salary of $64,250. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.