Accountant Salary in South Carolina
Based on 15K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$76,560
$36.81/hr
vs National Average
$82,597
-7.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $131K
15K employed in South Carolina
The Accountant salary in South Carolina offers a median income of $76,560 annually. This figure falls within a broad salary range of $50,370 to $131,220 per year and is approximately 7% below the national average for the profession. Currently, South Carolina employs around 15,270 individuals in accounting roles.
Several factors can influence an Accountant salary in South Carolina. Experience level, specific industry within accounting (e.g., public, corporate, government), and the size and profitability of the employer all play significant roles. Geographic location within the state and specialized certifications or advanced degrees can also contribute to variations in earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Accountant in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,370 |
| 25th percentile | $62,100 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $76,560 |
| 75th percentile | $99,080 |
| 90th percentile | $131,220 |
Top-Paying Industries for Accountant (U.S.)
Which industries pay Accountants the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Accountants in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $106,050 | 8K |
| Information | $99,430 | 35K |
| Utilities | $98,130 | 8K |
| Finance and Insurance | $93,290 | 119K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $91,940 | 105K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Accountant in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,480 |
| 2023 | $66,780 |
| 2024 | $73,180 |
| 2025 | $76,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,096 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | South Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $64,480 | $73,060 |
| 2023 | $66,780 | $76,751 |
| 2024 | $73,180 | $79,712 |
| 2025 | $76,560 | $82,597 |
| 2026 (projected) | $80,096 | $86,412 |
Accountant Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $62,100 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $76,560 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $99,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $131,220 |
Accountant Salary in Other States
Related Accountant Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Accountant ($76,560 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Accountant | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Manager in SC | $136,160 | +77.8% | $65.46/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in SC | $96,330 | +25.8% | $46.31/hr |
| Financial Analyst in SC | $93,670 | +22.3% | $45.03/hr |
| Financial Examiner in SC | $86,440 | +12.9% | $41.56/hr |
| Budget Analyst in SC | $86,260 | +12.7% | $41.47/hr |
| Credit Analyst in SC | $77,530 | +1.3% | $37.27/hr |
| Tax Examiner in SC | $76,400 | -0.2% | $36.73/hr |
| Compliance Officer in SC | $75,460 | -1.4% | $36.28/hr |
| Loan Officer in SC | $63,220 | -17.4% | $30.39/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in SC | $61,350 | -19.9% | $29.50/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in SC | $55,390 | -27.7% | $26.63/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in SC | $76,790 | +0.3% | $36.92/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an accountant in South Carolina?
- The median salary for an accountant in South Carolina is $76,560 per year, which breaks down to approximately $37 per hour. This figure is 7.3% lower than the national average.
What is the salary range for accountants in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, the salary range for accountants generally falls between $50,370 for entry-level positions and up to $131,220 for experienced professionals. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
How many accountants are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 15,270 accountants employed in South Carolina. This indicates a significant number of opportunities within the state for accounting professionals.
Is the salary for accountants in South Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Accountant salaries in South Carolina are lower than the national average, by approximately 7.3%. The median annual salary in South Carolina is $76,560, compared to the national median.