Elementary School Teacher Salary in South Carolina
Based on 25K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$60,820
$29.24/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-10.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$48K – $78K
25K employed in South Carolina
Understanding the Elementary School Teacher salary in South Carolina reveals a median annual income of $60,820. This figure falls 11% below the national average, with most teachers earning between $48,410 and $77,570. Approximately 25,030 individuals are employed in this vital profession across the state.
Factors influencing an Elementary School Teacher salary in South Carolina include years of experience, educational attainment (such as master's degrees or specialized certifications), and the specific school district or county of employment. Larger districts or those in higher cost-of-living areas may offer more competitive compensation packages.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $48,410 |
| 25th percentile | $50,280 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $60,820 |
| 75th percentile | $74,120 |
| 90th percentile | $77,570 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $50,970 |
| 2023 | $59,670 |
| 2024 | $59,370 |
| 2025 | $60,820 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,305 |
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 | $50,970 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $59,670 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $59,370 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $60,820 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $62,305 | $69,841 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $50,280 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $60,820 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $74,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $77,570 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Elementary School Teacher ($60,820 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Instructional Coordinator in SC | $65,460 | +7.6% | $31.47/hr |
| Librarian in SC | $62,640 | +3.0% | $30.12/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in SC | $62,580 | +2.9% | $30.09/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in SC | $60,890 | +0.1% | $29.27/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in SC | $60,810 | -0.0% | $29.24/hr |
| School Counselor in SC | $60,340 | -0.8% | $29.01/hr |
| Tutor in SC | $39,800 | -34.6% | $19.13/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in SC | $61,350 | +0.9% | $29.50/hr |
| Licensed Practical Nurse in SC | $61,820 | +1.6% | $29.72/hr |
| Editor in SC | $62,000 | +1.9% | $29.81/hr |
| Public Relations Specialist in SC | $62,730 | +3.1% | $30.16/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in SC | $62,810 | +3.3% | $30.20/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an elementary school teacher make in South Carolina?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in South Carolina is $60,820 per year, which averages out to about $29 per hour. The salary range typically falls between $48,410 and $77,570 annually.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in South Carolina?
- Elementary school teachers in South Carolina can expect to earn between $48,410 and $77,570 per year. The median salary within this range is $60,820 annually.
How does the average elementary school teacher salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Elementary school teachers in South Carolina earn approximately 10.8% less than the national average. The median salary in South Carolina is $60,820 per year, compared to the national median.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 25,030 elementary school teachers employed in South Carolina. These educators contribute to the state's education system, with a median annual salary of $60,820.