Healthcare Charleston, SC Pop. 150,227

Veterinarian Salary in Charleston, South Carolina

The median veterinarian salary in Charleston, SC is $103,260 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 12.4% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$103,260
vs State Avg
+$11,359
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Veterinarian Pay in Charleston: What to Expect (2026)

Charleston offers a median veterinarian salary of $103,260, which is $11,359 above the South Carolina state average of $91,901. Compared to the national median of $103,260, 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 veterinarians in Charleston spans from $65,200 at the 10th percentile to $174,200 at the 90th percentile — a $109,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,000, while senior veterinarians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $155,000. With a population of 150,227, Charleston is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Veterinarian Salary in Charleston by Experience

In Charleston, an entry-level veterinarian earns around $68,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $155,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$105,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$155,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Charleston, SC

Percentile Charleston
10th Percentile $65,200
25th Percentile $80,400
Median (50th) $103,260
75th Percentile $134,400
90th Percentile $174,200

Veterinarian Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$108,423
Pop. 94,171
North Charleston, SC
$98,097
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$94,999
Pop. 72,095
Columbia, SC
$92,934
Pop. 131,674

How to Become a Veterinarian in Charleston

Education

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

Key Skills

DiagnosisSurgeryPharmacologyAnimal HandlingClient CommunicationRadiology

Job Outlook

Nationally, veterinarian employment is projected to grow 19% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Charleston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Veterinarian Jobs in Charleston

Browse open veterinarian positions in Charleston, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Veterinarian Salary in Charleston

How much does a Veterinarian make in Charleston, SC? ▼
The median veterinarian salary in Charleston, South Carolina is $103,260 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $103,260. Salaries range from $65,200 (10th percentile) to $174,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Veterinarian make per hour in Charleston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $103,260, a veterinarian in Charleston earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Charleston compare to the South Carolina state average for veterinarian pay? ▼
Charleston's median veterinarian salary of $103,260 is 12.4% above the South Carolina state average of $91,901. 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 veterinarian salary of $103,260 in Charleston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a veterinarian in Charleston? ▼
Most veterinarian positions in Charleston require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Diagnosis, Surgery, Pharmacology, Animal Handling. The job market is projected to grow 19% nationally over the next decade.