Business & Finance South Carolina (SC) Rank #40 of 50

Project Manager Salary in South Carolina

The median project manager salary in South Carolina is $84,879 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,370.

Median Salary
$84,879
vs National
$-10,491
State Rank
#40 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Project Manager Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for project manager compensation. Project Manager salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $84,879 per year, project managers in South Carolina earn $10,491 less than the national median of $95,370.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $84,879 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $95,370 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: project managers at the 10th percentile earn $50,018, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $141,599 — a $91,581 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 $100,139.

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

Project Manager Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level project manager earns around $51,620, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,050 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,620
$-6,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$85,440
$-10,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,050
$-15,950 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $84,879 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 $50,018
25th Percentile $64,970
Median (50th) $84,879
75th Percentile $112,140
90th Percentile $141,599

Project Manager Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for project 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 Project Manager in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Agile/ScrumRisk ManagementBudgetingStakeholder CommunicationJIRA/AsanaPMP Certification

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, project 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 Project Managers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $44,171 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to Project Manager Roles in South Carolina?

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

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: Project Manager Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Project Manager make in South Carolina? ▼
The median project manager salary in South Carolina is $84,879 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $95,370. Salaries range from $50,018 (10th percentile) to $141,599 (90th percentile).
How much does a Project Manager make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,879, a project manager in South Carolina earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for project managers? ▼
South Carolina ranks #40 out of 50 states for project manager pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level project managers earn $51,620, while senior professionals earn $129,050.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for project manager salary? ▼
The highest paying state for project managers is Hawaii at $162,129. South Carolina's median of $84,879 ranks #40 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Ohio ($85,833) and Iowa ($84,879).
What is the entry-level project manager salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level project manager in South Carolina earns approximately $51,620 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $85,440. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $129,050.
What city in South Carolina pays project managers the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for project managers, with a median salary of $100,139. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.