Mechanical Engineer Salary in South Carolina: $107,687 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across South Carolina's 26 metropolitan areas, the average median mechanical engineer pay sits at $107,687/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 17-2141. Because South Carolina sits at BEA RPP 91.5 (8% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $117,691 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Myrtle Beach ($120,070), Conway ($117,856), North Charleston ($113,183).
In South Carolina, the average median salary for mechanical engineers in 2026 is projected at $107,686, slightly higher than the national median of $107,150, marking a 0.5% increase. The salary range across the state varies significantly, with Myrtle Beach leading at $123,576, while Clemson offers the lowest at $98,543. The $25,033 difference between these cities highlights the disparity in local demand, cost of living, and industry concentrations. Several factors influence the job market in South Carolina, including specific licensing requirements and the scope of practice laws that may affect job roles and responsibilities. The current growth rate for this profession is projected at 2.92% annually, signaling steady demand for mechanical engineers. Top cities for employment opportunities in 2026 include Conway at $121,297, North Charleston at $116,488, Charleston at $114,056, and Mount Pleasant at $108,581. The overall job market remains strong, backed by the state's growing manufacturing and engineering sectors, which continue to drive demand for skilled professionals. Understanding these local conditions can be pivotal for anyone considering a career in mechanical engineering in South Carolina.
South Carolina Mechanical Engineer Salary Range
Overall salary range in South Carolina: $67,289 (lowest entry-level) to $180,557 (highest top earner)
South Carolina vs National Average
South Carolina mechanical engineers earn 0.50% more than the national median (+$537/year difference).
South Carolina Mechanical Engineer Salary Distribution (2026)
Mechanical Engineer salaries in South Carolina range from $78,866 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $160,732 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $107,687. The South Carolina median is $537 above the US national median of $107,150. The average hourly rate is $51.77/hr. Approximately 4,121 mechanical engineers are employed across 26 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$85,441
2025 BLS Actual
$104,631
2026 Current Est.
$107,687
2019–2027 Growth
+29.7%
Salary Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in South Carolina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,441 | Actual |
| 2020 | $85,175 | Actual |
| 2021 | $84,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,921 | Actual |
| 2023 | $95,879 | Actual |
| 2024 | $99,976 | Actual |
| 2025 | $104,631 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $107,687 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,831 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Carolina metropolitan area, the median mechanical engineer salary grew 22.5% from $85,441 (2019) to $104,631 (2025). At a 2.92% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,831 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,390 (29.72%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Carolina metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in South Carolina
Lowest Paying Cities in South Carolina
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Clemson | $98,543 |
| Tega Cay | $98,727 |
| Easley | $99,275 |
| Lexington | $101,078 |
| Goose Creek | $102,758 |
Best Value Cities for Mechanical Engineers in South Carolina
When adjusted for local cost of living, these South Carolina cities offer the most purchasing power for mechanical engineers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conway | $121,297 | 91.5 | $132,565 |
| Myrtle Beach | $123,576 | 93.642 | $131,966 |
| North Charleston | $116,488 | 91.5 | $127,309 |
| Florence | $106,831 | 86.774 | $123,114 |
| Spartanburg | $108,056 | 91.051 | $118,676 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in South Carolina
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $78,866 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $107,687 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $160,732 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across South Carolina metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 26 Cities in South Carolina
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myrtle Beach | $123,576 |
| 2 | Conway | $121,297 |
| 3 | North Charleston | $116,488 |
| 4 | Charleston | $114,056 |
| 5 | Mount Pleasant | $108,581 |
| 6 | Spartanburg | $108,056 |
| 7 | Hilton Head Island | $107,191 |
| 8 | Greer | $107,057 |
| 9 | Anderson | $106,948 |
| 10 | Florence | $106,831 |
| 11 | Rock Hill | $106,581 |
| 12 | Aiken | $106,114 |
| 13 | Hanahan | $105,964 |
| 14 | Mauldin | $105,341 |
| 15 | Columbia | $105,267 |
| 16 | Bluffton | $105,154 |
| 17 | Summerville | $104,776 |
| 18 | Greenville | $104,536 |
| 19 | Sumter | $103,959 |
| 20 | Simpsonville | $103,049 |
| 21 | Fort Mill | $103,000 |
| 22 | Goose Creek | $102,758 |
| 23 | Lexington | $101,078 |
| 24 | Easley | $99,275 |
| 25 | Tega Cay | $98,727 |
| 26 | Clemson | $98,543 |
More South Carolina Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore mechanical engineer hourly pay in South Carolina cities.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced mechanical engineers.
Explore More Mechanical Engineer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do mechanical engineers make in South Carolina in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for mechanical engineers in South Carolina?
How does South Carolina mechanical engineer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level mechanical engineer salary in South Carolina?
How many mechanical engineers are employed in South Carolina?
Which South Carolina city offers the best value for mechanical engineers?
Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 mechanical engineer compensation across South Carolina. State averages are employment-weighted across 26 metro areas — larger metro areas with more mechanical engineerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov