Business & Finance Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Paralegal Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median paralegal salary in Charleston, SC is $59,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$59,200
vs State Avg
+$6,512
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Paralegal Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median paralegal salary of $59,200, which is $6,512 above the South Carolina state average of $52,688. Compared to the national median of $59,200, 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 paralegals in Charleston spans from $38,400 at the 10th percentile to $92,400 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $40,000, while senior paralegals with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $85,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Paralegal Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level paralegal earns around $40,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $85,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$60,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$85,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $38,400
25th Percentile $46,800
Median (50th) $59,200
75th Percentile $75,000
90th Percentile $92,400

Paralegal Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Paralegal in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Paralegal Jobs in Charleston

Browse open paralegal positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Charleston

How much does a Paralegal make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $59,200 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $38,400 (10th percentile) to $92,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $59,200, a paralegal in Charleston earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Charleston's median paralegal salary of $59,200 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $52,688. 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 paralegal salary of $59,200 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Charleston? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Charleston require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.