Lawyer Salary in South Carolina
Based on 8K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$120,310
$57.84/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-10.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$63K – $301K
8K employed in South Carolina
The average Lawyer salary in South Carolina sits at $120,310 annually, which is 11% lower than the national average. This figure represents the median, meaning half of all lawyers in the state earn more, and half earn less, with salaries ranging from $63,140 to $301,140. Currently, there are approximately 7,890 legal professionals employed across South Carolina.
Several factors contribute to the variation in Lawyer salary in South Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, with senior attorneys commanding higher compensation than those just starting their careers. Additionally, the specific area of law practiced, the size and type of law firm, and the economic conditions within the state can all influence earning potential for legal professionals.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $63,140 |
| 25th percentile | $80,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $120,310 |
| 75th percentile | $174,620 |
| 90th percentile | $301,140 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $97,490 |
| 2023 | $97,640 |
| 2024 | $104,160 |
| 2025 | $120,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,529 |
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 | $97,490 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $97,640 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $104,160 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $120,310 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,529 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $80,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $120,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $174,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $301,140 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Lawyer ($120,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in SC | $53,880 | -55.2% | $25.90/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in SC | $50,330 | -58.2% | $24.20/hr |
| Title Examiner in SC | $46,740 | -61.2% | $22.47/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in SC | $119,460 | -0.7% | $57.43/hr |
| Materials Engineer in SC | $121,610 | +1.1% | $58.47/hr |
| Veterinarian in SC | $122,130 | +1.5% | $58.72/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in SC | $122,390 | +1.7% | $58.84/hr |
| Physician Assistant in SC | $122,490 | +1.8% | $58.89/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in SC | $123,290 | +2.5% | $59.27/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in SC | $124,290 | +3.3% | $59.75/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in SC | $124,320 | +3.3% | $59.77/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in SC | $125,110 | +4.0% | $60.15/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in South Carolina?
- The median salary for lawyers in South Carolina is $120,310 per year, which averages out to $58 per hour. This median figure represents the midpoint of all salaries, with half earning more and half earning less.
How much can a lawyer in South Carolina expect to earn?
- The salary range for lawyers in South Carolina is quite broad, spanning from $63,140 for entry-level or lower-paying positions to $301,140 for highly experienced or specialized roles. The median salary sits at $120,310 annually.
Is the salary for lawyers in South Carolina higher or lower than the national average?
- Lawyers in South Carolina earn, on average, 10.7% less than the national average salary for their profession. This means while the national median might be higher, South Carolina offers a competitive salary with a median of $120,310 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in South Carolina?
- There are approximately 7,890 lawyers currently employed in South Carolina. This indicates a significant job market for legal professionals within the state.