Paralegal Salary in South Carolina
Based on 7K+ workers in South Carolina
Median Annual Salary (SC)
$53,880
$25.90/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-13.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $76K
7K employed in South Carolina
The median Paralegal salary in South Carolina is $53,880 annually, placing it 13% below the national average. With 7,420 paralegals currently employed in the state, the typical earnings fall within a range of $38,020 to $75,640 per year, reflecting a diverse job market for these legal professionals.
Several factors influence Paralegal salary in South Carolina. Experience level plays a significant role, with more seasoned paralegals commanding higher incomes. Additionally, the specific type of law practiced, the size and location of the law firm, and any specialized certifications can all impact earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in South Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,020 |
| 25th percentile | $46,630 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $53,880 |
| 75th percentile | $61,620 |
| 90th percentile | $75,640 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in South Carolina tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in South Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (South Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $48,190 |
| 2023 | $47,790 |
| 2024 | $48,640 |
| 2025 | $53,880 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,113 |
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 | $48,190 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $47,790 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $48,640 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $53,880 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $57,113 | $65,830 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,630 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $53,880 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $61,620 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $75,640 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in South Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in South Carolina compare to Paralegal ($53,880 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in SC | $120,310 | +123.3% | $57.84/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in SC | $50,330 | -6.6% | $24.20/hr |
| Title Examiner in SC | $46,740 | -13.3% | $22.47/hr |
| Plumber in SC | $53,940 | +0.1% | $25.93/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in SC | $52,370 | -2.8% | $25.18/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in SC | $55,390 | +2.8% | $26.63/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in SC | $52,080 | -3.3% | $25.04/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in SC | $52,000 | -3.5% | $25.00/hr |
| Writer and Author in SC | $51,920 | -3.6% | $24.96/hr |
| Producer and Director in SC | $56,030 | +4.0% | $26.94/hr |
| Real Estate Sales Agent in SC | $56,580 | +5.0% | $27.20/hr |
| Truck Driver in SC | $51,130 | -5.1% | $24.58/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a paralegal in South Carolina?
- The median salary for paralegals in South Carolina is $53,880 per year, which averages out to about $26 per hour. This means that half of paralegals in the state earn more than this amount, while half earn less.
How does the paralegal salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?
- Paralegals in South Carolina earn 13.2% less than the national average. This means the typical South Carolina paralegal salary is lower than what paralegals earn across the entire United States.
What is the salary range for paralegals in South Carolina?
- The salary range for paralegals in South Carolina is quite broad, typically falling between $38,020 and $75,640 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and the type of legal practice.
How many paralegals are employed in South Carolina?
- There are an estimated 7,420 paralegals currently employed in South Carolina. This figure indicates a significant presence of paralegal professionals within the state's workforce.