Military Enlisted Salary in Charleston, SC — 2026 Guide
Estimated salaries are adjusted for Charleston's cost of living (index: 113). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.
Military Enlisted Salary in Charleston — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Charleston
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Charleston
Charleston has a metro population of 850,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.
Financial Calculators for Charleston
Other Professions in Charleston
Military Enlisted Salary — Other South Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Military Enlisted make in Charleston, SC?
The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Charleston is $46,330 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Charleston's cost of living index (113). The typical salary range runs from $33,335 (25th percentile) to $64,184 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $83,620.
Is Charleston affordable for a Military Enlisted?
On a $46,330 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Charleston would spend approximately 49.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,917/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Charleston may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $430,000 is 9.3× the annual salary.
How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Charleston's overall income?
Charleston's median household income is $72,000. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $46,330 earns 35.7% less than the typical Charleston household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Charleston has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.