Automotive Service Technician Salary in South Carolina
Based on 13K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$48,100
$23.13/hr
vs National Average
$52,179
-7.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$31K – $78K
13K employed in South Carolina
Understanding the Automotive Service Technician salary in South Carolina reveals a median annual income of $48,100, with a typical range between $31,200 and $78,030. This figure sits 8% below the national average, reflecting the specific economic landscape of the state for this vital trade. Approximately 13,420 workers are employed in this field across South Carolina.
Several factors influence the Automotive Service Technician salary in South Carolina. Experience level, specialized certifications in areas like electrical systems or diagnostics, and the specific employer's size and location within the state can significantly impact earning potential. Technicians working in larger dealerships or urban centers may command higher salaries compared to those in smaller, rural repair shops.
Salary Distribution — Automotive Service Technician in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,200 |
| 25th percentile | $37,430 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $48,100 |
| 75th percentile | $63,610 |
| 90th percentile | $78,030 |
Top-Paying Industries for Automotive Service Technician (U.S.)
Which industries pay Automotive Service Technicians the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Automotive Service Technicians in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Information | $100,570 | 250 |
| Utilities | $94,910 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $76,020 | 370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $63,650 | 15K |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $61,450 | 4K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Automotive Service Technician in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $43,700 |
| 2023 | $44,210 |
| 2024 | $45,950 |
| 2025 | $48,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,351 |
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 | $43,700 | $46,532 |
| 2023 | $44,210 | $47,903 |
| 2024 | $45,950 | $50,586 |
| 2025 | $48,100 | $52,179 |
| 2026 (projected) | $50,351 | $54,620 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $37,430 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $48,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $63,610 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,030 |
Automotive Service Technician Salary in Other States
Related Automotive Service Technician Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Automotive Service Technician ($48,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Automotive Service Technician | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in SC | $143,580 | +198.5% | $69.03/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in SC | $75,350 | +56.7% | $36.23/hr |
| Electrician in SC | $58,740 | +22.1% | $28.24/hr |
| Plumber in SC | $53,940 | +12.1% | $25.93/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in SC | $47,880 | -0.5% | $23.02/hr |
| Construction Laborer in SC | $42,940 | -10.7% | $20.64/hr |
| Air Traffic Controller in SC | $33,590 | -30.2% | $16.15/hr |
| Bookkeeper in SC | $47,940 | -0.3% | $23.05/hr |
| Dental Assistant in SC | $47,320 | -1.6% | $22.75/hr |
| Title Examiner in SC | $46,740 | -2.8% | $22.47/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in SC | $50,330 | +4.6% | $24.20/hr |
| Truck Driver in SC | $51,130 | +6.3% | $24.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an Automotive Service Technician make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for an Automotive Service Technician in South Carolina is $48,100 per year, which breaks down to about $23 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $31,200 and $78,030 annually.
What is the average salary for an Automotive Service Technician in South Carolina compared to the rest of the country?
- Automotive Service Technicians in South Carolina earn approximately 7.8% less than the national average. The median salary here is $48,100 annually, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for an Automotive Service Technician in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, Automotive Service Technicians can expect to earn a salary between $31,200 on the lower end and $78,030 on the higher end. The median annual salary is $48,100.
How many Automotive Service Technicians are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 13,420 Automotive Service Technicians currently employed in South Carolina. The median annual salary for these professionals is $48,100.