Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Surgeon Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median surgeon salary in Charleston, SC is $255,110 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$255,110
vs State Avg
+$28,062
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Surgeon Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median surgeon salary of $255,110, which is $28,062 above the South Carolina state average of $227,048. Compared to the national median of $255,110, 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 surgeons in Charleston spans from $120,000 at the 10th percentile to $420,000 at the 90th percentile — a $300,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $130,000, while senior surgeons with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $400,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Surgeon Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level surgeon earns around $130,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $400,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$130,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$260,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$400,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $120,000
25th Percentile $175,000
Median (50th) $255,110
75th Percentile $350,000
90th Percentile $420,000

Surgeon Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Surgeon in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

SurgeryAnatomyPatient CareDecision MakingDexterityLeadership

Job Outlook

Nationally, surgeon employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Surgeon Jobs in Charleston

Browse open surgeon positions in Charleston, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Surgeon Salary in Charleston

How much does a Surgeon make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median surgeon salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $255,110 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $255,110. Salaries range from $120,000 (10th percentile) to $420,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Surgeon make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $255,110, a surgeon in Charleston earns approximately $123 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for surgeon pay? ▼
Charleston's median surgeon salary of $255,110 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $227,048. 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 surgeon salary of $255,110 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a surgeon in Charleston? ▼
Most surgeon positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Surgery, Anatomy, Patient Care, Decision Making. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.