Science & Research South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Physicist Salary in South Carolina

The median physicist salary in South Carolina is $135,663 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $152,430.

Median Salary

$135,663

vs National

$-16,767

State Rank

#40 of 50

Cost of Living

89%

Physicist Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level physicist earns around $72,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $195,800 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$72,980

$-9,020 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$137,950

$-17,050 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$195,800

$-24,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile	SC Salary	National	Difference
10th Percentile	$69,420	$78,000	$-8,580
25th Percentile	$96,120	$108,000	$-11,880
Median (50th)	$135,663	$152,430	$-16,767
75th Percentile	$173,550	$195,000	$-21,450
90th Percentile	$211,820	$238,000	$-26,180

Physicist Salary by City in South Carolina

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

Charleston, SC

$152,430

Pop. 150,227 · COL 100%

Columbia, SC

$137,187

Pop. 131,674 · COL 90%

Greenville, SC

$140,236

Pop. 72,095 · COL 92%

North Charleston, SC

$144,809

Pop. 115,382 · COL 95%

Mount Pleasant, SC

$160,052

Pop. 94,171 · COL 105%

How to Become a Physicist in South Carolina

Education

Most physicist positions require a doctoral degree. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Mathematical ModelingExperimental PhysicsPython/MATLABData AnalysisScientific WritingLaboratory Equipment

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, physicist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.