Chemical Engineers Salary in Charleston, SC

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Charleston-North Charleston, SC

Median annual salary $129,070 +5.9% vs national
Median hourly $62.05
10th percentile $84,130
90th percentile $173,360
Employed locally 50
National median $121,860

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Chemical Engineers
in
Charleston, SC
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $84,130
    25th
    $93,340
    50th (median)
    $129,070
    75th
    $145,460
    90th
    $173,360

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Chemical Engineers salary vs area income 157% Median Chemical Engineers salary is 57% above the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Chemical Engineers

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Tulsa, OK $169,250
    Albuquerque, NM $163,380
    Oklahoma $160,990
    Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX $152,290
    Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $151,360
    New Mexico $147,290

    Nearby metros — Chemical Engineers salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $124,980
    Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $109,940
    Columbia, SC $105,870
    Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC $101,400
    Wisconsin $92,530

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Civil Engineers $98,880
    Industrial Engineers $105,510
    Mechanical Engineers $107,140
    Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $83,080
    Engineers, All Other $126,170
    Electrical Engineers $114,880

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Chemical Engineers make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Chemical Engineers in Charleston, SC is $62.05, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $83.34 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Chemical Engineers salaries?

    The median Chemical Engineers salary in Charleston, SC is 5.9% above the national median of $121,860. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Chemical Engineers in Charleston?

    Entry-level Chemical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $84,130 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $93,340.