Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Psychologist Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median psychologist salary in Charleston, SC is $85,330 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$85,330
vs State Avg
+$9,386
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Psychologist Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median psychologist salary of $85,330, which is $9,386 above the South Carolina state average of $75,944. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 psychologists in Charleston spans from $48,000 at the 10th percentile to $155,000 at the 90th percentile — a $107,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,000, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $145,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychologist Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level psychologist earns around $52,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $145,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$145,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $48,000
25th Percentile $64,000
Median (50th) $85,330
75th Percentile $115,000
90th Percentile $155,000

Psychologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$89,597
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$81,064
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$78,504
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$76,797
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Psychologist in Charleston

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Charleston

Browse open psychologist positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Charleston

How much does a Psychologist make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $85,330 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $48,000 (10th percentile) to $155,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,330, a psychologist in Charleston earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Charleston's median psychologist salary of $85,330 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $75,944. 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 psychologist salary of $85,330 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Charleston? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.