Chief Executive Officer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 2K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$168,840
$81.17/hr
vs National Average
$212,619
-20.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $393K
2K employed in South Carolina
The Chief Executive Officer salary in South Carolina presents a median annual income of $168,840. This figure falls 21% below the national average, with reported salaries ranging broadly from $49,760 to $393,490. Currently, there are approximately 1,740 individuals employed in this critical leadership role across the state.
Several factors can influence a Chief Executive Officer salary in South Carolina. These include the size and profitability of the company, the industry in which it operates, and the executive's years of experience and specific qualifications. Geographic location within South Carolina and the overall economic health of the region also play a role in determining compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Chief Executive Officer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,760 |
| 25th percentile | $109,000 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $168,840 |
| 75th percentile | $258,950 |
| 90th percentile | $393,490 |
Top-Paying Industries for Chief Executive Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Chief Executive Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Chief Executive Officers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $358,310 | 15K |
| Finance and Insurance | $316,050 | 17K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $311,120 | 680 |
| Information | $275,030 | 9K |
| Manufacturing | $263,290 | 11K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Chief Executive Officer in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $193,480 |
| 2023 | $186,800 |
| 2024 | $181,830 |
| 2025 | $168,840 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,840 |
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 | $193,480 | $168,969 |
| 2023 | $186,800 | $173,235 |
| 2024 | $181,830 | $176,421 |
| 2025 | $168,840 | $212,619 |
| 2026 (projected) | $168,840 | $212,619 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $109,000 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $168,840 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $258,950 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $393,490 |
Chief Executive Officer Salary in Other States
Related Chief Executive Officer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Chief Executive Officer ($168,840 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Chief Executive Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marketing Manager in SC | $143,290 | -15.1% | $68.89/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in SC | $131,720 | -22.0% | $63.33/hr |
| Sales Manager in SC | $131,080 | -22.4% | $63.02/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in SC | $126,880 | -24.9% | $61.00/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in SC | $124,320 | -26.4% | $59.77/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in SC | $124,290 | -26.4% | $59.75/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in SC | $119,460 | -29.2% | $57.43/hr |
| Construction Manager in SC | $108,110 | -36.0% | $51.98/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in SC | $106,080 | -37.2% | $51.00/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in SC | $104,920 | -37.9% | $50.44/hr |
| Management Analyst in SC | $100,660 | -40.4% | $48.39/hr |
| Project Management Specialist in SC | $95,040 | -43.7% | $45.69/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chief Executive Officer make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Chief Executive Officer in South Carolina is $168,840 per year, which is equivalent to $81 per hour. The salary range can span from $49,760 to $393,490 annually.
What is the average salary for a CEO in South Carolina compared to the rest of the country?
- CEOs in South Carolina earn 20.6% less than the national average. This means that while the median salary is $168,840 annually in South Carolina, the national median would be higher.
What is the salary range for a Chief Executive Officer in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, the salaries for Chief Executive Officers can vary significantly, with the range being from $49,760 on the lower end to $393,490 on the higher end. The median annual salary sits at $168,840.
How many Chief Executive Officers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 1,740 Chief Executive Officers employed in South Carolina. The median annual salary for these positions is $168,840.