Transportation & Logistics South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Operations Manager Salary in South Carolina

The median operations manager salary in South Carolina is $92,249 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $103,650.

Median Salary
$92,249
vs National
$-11,401
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Operations Manager Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for operations manager compensation. Operations Manager salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $92,249 per year, operations managers in South Carolina earn $11,401 less than the national median of $103,650.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $92,249 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $103,651 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: operations managers at the 10th percentile earn $51,620, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,650 — a $113,030 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 $108,833.

Nationally, operations manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for operations managers across the country.

Operations Manager Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level operations manager earns around $55,180, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,750 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$55,180
$-6,820 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$94,340
$-11,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,750
$-19,250 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $92,249 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $51,620
25th Percentile $67,640
Median (50th) $92,249
75th Percentile $124,600
90th Percentile $164,650

Operations Manager Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for operations managers 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 Operations Manager in South Carolina

Education

Most operations manager positions require a bachelor's degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Operations ManagementProcess ImprovementBudgetingLeadershipSix SigmaData Analysis

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, operations manager employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows Operations Managers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $63,501 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Operations Manager Roles in South Carolina?

Get matched with recruiters hiring operations managers in South Carolina at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Operations Manager Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Operations Manager make in South Carolina? ▼
The median operations manager salary in South Carolina is $92,249 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $103,650. Salaries range from $51,620 (10th percentile) to $164,650 (90th percentile).
How much does a Operations Manager make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $92,249, a operations manager in South Carolina earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for operations managers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for operations manager pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level operations managers earn $55,180, while senior professionals earn $155,750.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for operations manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for operations managers is Hawaii at $176,205. South Carolina's median of $92,249 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($93,285) and Iowa ($92,249).
What is the entry-level operations manager salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level operations manager in South Carolina earns approximately $55,180 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $94,340. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $155,750.
What city in South Carolina pays operations managers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for operations managers, with a median salary of $108,833. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.