Engineering North Charleston, SC Pop. 115,382

Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Charleston, South Carolina

The median mechanical engineer salary in North Charleston, SC is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 6.7% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$91,495
vs State Avg
+$5,779
vs National
$-4,815
Cost of Living
95%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in North Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

North Charleston offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $91,495, which is $5,779 above the South Carolina state average of $85,716. Compared to the national median of $96,310, 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 mechanical engineers in North Charleston spans from $60,230 at the 10th percentile to $138,890 at the 90th percentile — a $78,660 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,750, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $131,100. With a population of 115,382, North Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Charleston by Experience

In North Charleston, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $61,750, while experienced professionals earn up to $131,100 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)
$91,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$131,100
$-6,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Charleston, SC

Percentile North Charleston
10th Percentile $60,230
25th Percentile $74,860
Median (50th) $91,495
75th Percentile $113,620
90th Percentile $138,890

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$101,126
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$96,310
Pop. 150,227
Greenville, SC
$88,605
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$86,679
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in North Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in North Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in North Charleston

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in North Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in North Charleston

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in North Charleston, SC? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in North Charleston, South Carolina is $91,495 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $60,230 (10th percentile) to $138,890 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in North Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $91,495, a mechanical engineer in North Charleston earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does North Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
North Charleston's median mechanical engineer salary of $91,495 is 6.7% above the South Carolina state average of $85,716. 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 mechanical engineer salary of $91,495 in North Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in North Charleston? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in North Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.