Civil Engineer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 7K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$101,600
$48.85/hr
vs National Average
$99,151
+2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$68K – $156K
7K employed in South Carolina
The median Civil Engineer salary in South Carolina is $101,600 per year, positioning the state's compensation 2% above the national average for this vital profession. With approximately 7,180 civil engineers employed in the Palmetto State, this data point offers a valuable benchmark for understanding earning potential in this field.
Several factors influence the Civil Engineer salary in South Carolina, including years of experience, specific areas of specialization such as transportation or structural engineering, and the size and type of employer. Geographic location within South Carolina, with higher demand in urban centers, can also impact salary ranges, which typically fall between $67,950 and $156,380 annually.
Salary Distribution — Civil Engineer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $67,950 |
| 25th percentile | $80,360 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $101,600 |
| 75th percentile | $131,550 |
| 90th percentile | $156,380 |
Top-Paying Industries for Civil Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Civil Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Civil Engineers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $157,120 | 960 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $123,980 | 3K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $116,320 | 1K |
| Utilities | $112,820 | 2K |
| Finance and Insurance | $109,740 | 600 |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Civil Engineer in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $80,440 |
| 2023 | $86,490 |
| 2024 | $99,680 |
| 2025 | $101,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,557 |
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 | $80,440 | $86,235 |
| 2023 | $86,490 | $90,685 |
| 2024 | $99,680 | $96,900 |
| 2025 | $101,600 | $99,151 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,557 | $101,061 |
Civil Engineer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,360 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $101,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $131,550 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $156,380 |
Civil Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Civil Engineer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Civil Engineer ($101,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Civil Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in SC | $169,040 | +66.4% | $81.27/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in SC | $137,030 | +34.9% | $65.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in SC | $136,990 | +34.8% | $65.86/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in SC | $126,570 | +24.6% | $60.85/hr |
| Materials Engineer in SC | $121,610 | +19.7% | $58.47/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in SC | $104,580 | +2.9% | $50.28/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in SC | $101,570 | -0.0% | $48.83/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in SC | $101,060 | -0.5% | $48.59/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in SC | $99,130 | -2.4% | $47.66/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in SC | $98,440 | -3.1% | $47.33/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in SC | $96,140 | -5.4% | $46.22/hr |
| Physical Therapist in SC | $101,330 | -0.3% | $48.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Civil Engineers make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for a Civil Engineer in South Carolina is $101,600 per year, which breaks down to about $49 per hour. The salary range for these professionals in the state falls between $67,950 and $156,380 annually.
What is the average salary for a Civil Engineer in South Carolina compared to the national average?
- Civil Engineers in South Carolina earn, on average, 2.5% more than the national average. This means the typical salary in South Carolina is higher than the general national figures for the profession.
What is the typical salary range for Civil Engineers in South Carolina?
- In South Carolina, Civil Engineers can expect to earn a salary between $67,950 and $156,380 per year. The median salary for the role in the state is $101,600 annually.
How many Civil Engineers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 7,180 Civil Engineers employed in South Carolina. This number represents the current workforce for this specific engineering discipline within the state.