Software Engineer Salary in Charleston, South Carolina
The median software engineer salary in Charleston, SC is $121,716 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 12.6% above the South Carolina state average.
Software Engineer Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)
Charleston offers a median software engineer salary of $121,716, which is $13,662 above the South Carolina state average of $108,054. Compared to the national median of $124,200, Charleston pays below the national benchmark 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 software engineers in Charleston spans from $73,108 at the 10th percentile to $194,608 at the 90th percentile — a $121,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,440, while senior software engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,300. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Software Engineer Salary in Charleston by Experience
In Charleston, an entry-level software engineer earns around $76,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC
| Percentile | Charleston |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $73,108 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,236 |
| Median (50th) | $121,716 |
| 75th Percentile | $155,036 |
| 90th Percentile | $194,608 |
Software Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Software Engineer in Charleston
Education
Most software engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Charleston and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, software engineer employment is projected to grow 25% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Software Engineer Jobs in Charleston
Browse open software engineer positions in Charleston, SC: