Creative & Education Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Social Worker Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median social worker salary in Charleston, SC is $55,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$55,350
vs State Avg
+$6,088
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Social Worker Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median social worker salary of $55,350, which is $6,088 above the South Carolina state average of $49,262. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 social workers in Charleston spans from $36,400 at the 10th percentile to $87,800 at the 90th percentile — a $51,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,000, while senior social workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $82,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Social Worker Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level social worker earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $82,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$82,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $36,400
25th Percentile $44,200
Median (50th) $55,350
75th Percentile $70,400
90th Percentile $87,800

Social Worker Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$58,118
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$52,583
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$50,922
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$49,815
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Social Worker in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Charleston

Browse open social worker positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Charleston

How much does a Social Worker make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median social worker salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $55,350 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $36,400 (10th percentile) to $87,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $55,350, a social worker in Charleston earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for social worker pay? ▼
Charleston's median social worker salary of $55,350 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $49,262. 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 social worker salary of $55,350 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Charleston? ▼
Most social worker positions in Charleston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.