Retail Salespersons Salary in Charleston, SC

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

Median annual salary $30,610 -11.5% vs national
Median hourly $14.72
10th percentile $22,660
90th percentile $45,740
Employed locally 12,630
National median $34,580

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Retail Salespersons
in
Charleston, SC
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $22,660
    25th
    $27,040
    50th (median)
    $30,610
    75th
    $36,520
    90th
    $45,740

    Charleston economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.50% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $82,272 2023 • Census ACS
    Retail Salespersons salary vs area income 37% Median Retail Salespersons salary is 63% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Retail Salespersons

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Napa, CA $44,680
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $43,040
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,490
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $39,180
    Northwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area $38,770
    Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA $38,760

    Nearby metros — Retail Salespersons salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA $42,490
    Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ $35,190
    Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY $35,040
    Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $34,200
    Wisconsin $33,640
    Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area $32,240

    Related occupations in Charleston, SC

    OccupationMedian salary
    Cashiers $28,630
    Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $61,890
    Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $59,040
    First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $47,910
    Real Estate Sales Agents $60,110
    Counter and Rental Clerks $37,370

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Retail Salespersons make per hour in Charleston?

    The median hourly wage for Retail Salespersons in Charleston, SC is $14.72, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $22.96 or more per hour.

    Is Charleston above or below average for Retail Salespersons salaries?

    The median Retail Salespersons salary in Charleston, SC is 11.5% below the national median of $34,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Retail Salespersons in Charleston?

    Entry-level Retail Salespersons (10th percentile) earn around $22,660 per year in Charleston, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $27,040.