Estimate · based on BLS national data

Economists in South Carolina

$125,074 / year · average (mean) annual wage
$60.13 per hour

▼ 12.0% below U.S. average24th of 51 states

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Dataset: Estimate (BLS national × cost of living) Published: May 2026 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
Average$125,074per year
Median$109,754per year
Hourly$60.13per hour
10th – 90th percentile$66,788 – $192,734per year

Economists Pay Range in South Carolina

Pay distribution across experience levels

  • 10th Percentile — Entry Level$66,788
  • 25th Percentile — Junior$96,831
  • 50th Percentile — Median$109,754
  • 75th Percentile — Senior$164,428
  • 90th Percentile — Top Earners$192,734

Half of Economists in South Carolina earn more than $109,754. The top 10% make $192,734 or more, while entry-level workers start around $66,788.

Economists in South Carolina: Key Facts

Source: BLS national data adjusted for cost of living

  • South Carolina ranks 24th of 51 states for Economists pay, at $125,074 per year (12.0% below the U.S. average of $142,130).
  • Pay range: the lowest-paid 10% earn under $66,788; the top 10% earn over $192,734.
  • Hourly equivalent: $60.13 per hour (2,080 hours/year).
  • The highest-paying state is District of Columbia at $175,100.
  • Among science jobs in South Carolina, Physicists pays the most ($159,280).

Economists Job Market in South Carolina

Key factors affecting compensation

South Carolina's key industries are Automotive, Tourism, Manufacturing, and its job market is rated strong. Economists here earn $125,074 on average, placing the state 24th nationally.

With a cost-of-living index of 0.88 (U.S. = 1.00), a South Carolina salary of $125,074 is roughly equivalent to $142,130 at the national average cost of living.

Compared with nearby states in the pay ranking, North Dakota ($130,760), Alabama ($127,060), Colorado ($127,020) are the closest alternatives for Economists weighing a move.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this salary

What is the average Economists salary in South Carolina?

The average Economists salary in South Carolina is $125,074 per year (median $109,754), which is 12.0% below the national average of $142,130.

How does South Carolina rank for Economists pay?

South Carolina ranks 24th out of 51 states. The highest-paying state is District of Columbia ($175,100/yr).

How much do entry-level Economists make in South Carolina?

The lowest-paid 10% of Economists in South Carolina earn about $66,788 per year and the 25th percentile is $96,831.

How much do Economists make per hour in South Carolina?

About $60.13 per hour, based on the $125,074 annual average and 2,080 working hours per year.

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