South Carolina Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the South Carolina job market in 2026. Manufacturing, tourism, aerospace, and tech across Charleston and Greenville.
South Carolina has become a manufacturing magnet, attracting BMW, Volvo, Boeing, and numerous international companies with business-friendly policies, lower costs, and a growing skilled workforce. The state's economy is diversifying rapidly beyond its traditional tourism and agricultural base.
Top Industries
- Manufacturing: BMW (Spartanburg — largest BMW plant globally), Volvo (Charleston), Boeing (Charleston — 787 assembly), and Michelin (Greenville). 250,000+ manufacturing workers. Average manufacturing salary: $52,000.
- Tourism: Myrtle Beach, Charleston, and Hilton Head generate $28B+ annually. Hospitality employs 200,000+ workers. Charleston ranks as a top U.S. tourist destination.
- Military: Joint Base Charleston, Fort Jackson (Columbia), Shaw AFB, Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island. Military supports 150,000+ jobs.
- Healthcare: MUSC Health (Charleston), Prisma Health (Greenville/Columbia), and Roper St. Francis. 230,000+ healthcare workers.
- Technology: Charleston's "Silicon Harbor" is growing with companies like Blackbaud, BoomTown, and Benefitfocus. Tech employment grew 25% since 2020.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. SC Employees |
|---|---|---|
| Prisma Health | Healthcare | 30,000+ |
| BMW Manufacturing | Automotive | 11,000+ |
| State of South Carolina | Government | 40,000+ |
| Boeing | Aerospace | 7,000+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 25,000+ |
| MUSC Health | Healthcare | 17,000+ |
| Michelin | Manufacturing | 9,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | $54,820 | 105 |
| Greenville-Spartanburg | $51,340 | 90 |
| Columbia | $50,270 | 93 |
| Myrtle Beach | $41,630 | 95 (seasonal) |
| Rock Hill (Charlotte suburb) | $49,680 | 92 |
Growing Sectors
- Automotive EV: BMW's EV production expansion and Scout Motors' new $2B plant in Blythewood signal SC's EV manufacturing future.
- Offshore Wind: Charleston port is a staging area for East Coast offshore wind projects. Manufacturing and logistics jobs growing.
- Tech (Silicon Harbor): Charleston's tech scene attracts workers from Atlanta and the Northeast. Venture capital investment tripled from 2020-2025.
Remote Work Availability
Charleston ranks in the top 20 cities for remote work desirability due to beach lifestyle and low cost of living. No state income tax on Social Security and a flat 6.5% income tax rate. Greenville also attracts remote workers with mountain access and affordability.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in South Carolina?
No state minimum wage — federal $7.25/hour applies. Major employers pay $12-15+ entry level. Charleston area market rates are typically $14+ for most positions.