Trades & Labor South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Welder Salary in South Carolina

The median welder salary in South Carolina is $41,839 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$41,839
vs National
$-5,171
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Welder Salary Overview in South Carolina (2026)

South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Welder salaries in South Carolina are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $41,839 per year, welders in South Carolina earn $5,171 less than the national median of $47,010.

A key advantage of working in South Carolina is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $41,839 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $47,010 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in South Carolina is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $29,548, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $63,012 — a $33,464 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in South Carolina for this role is Mount Pleasant, where the median reaches $49,361.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level welder earns around $28,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $60,520 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,480
$-3,520 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$42,720
$-5,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$60,520
$-7,480 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $29,548
25th Percentile $34,532
Median (50th) $41,839
75th Percentile $51,798
90th Percentile $63,012

Welder Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for welders in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Welder in South Carolina

Education

Most welder positions require a high school diploma. South Carolina has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in South Carolina

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). South Carolina's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Welder make in South Carolina? ▼
The median welder salary in South Carolina is $41,839 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,548 (10th percentile) to $63,012 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $41,839, a welder in South Carolina earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for welders? ▼
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $28,480, while senior professionals earn $60,520.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. South Carolina's median of $41,839 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($41,839) and Oklahoma ($41,839).
What is the entry-level welder salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level welder in South Carolina earns approximately $28,480 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $42,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $60,520.
What city in South Carolina pays welders the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for welders, with a median salary of $49,361. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.