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Project Manager Salary in Charleston, SC β€” 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.

Project Manager Salary in Charleston β€” Key Numbers

$111,395
Median Salary
$83,123
25th Percentile
$149,397
75th Percentile
$189,840
90th Percentile
National median (Project Manager)$98,580
vs. National median+13.0%
Charleston median household income$72,000
vs. City household income+54.7%

Cost of Living in Charleston

Cost of Living Index
113(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,917/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio20.7%
Annual rent cost$23,004
Median Home Price$430,000
Home Price / Salary3.9Γ—
20% Down Payment$86,000
Years to save (20% rate)3.9 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Charleston

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
850,000
Metro Population
26 min
Avg Commute
37.5
Median Age

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.

Project Manager Salary β€” Other South Carolina Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Project Manager make in Charleston, SC?

The estimated median salary for a Project Manager in Charleston is $111,395 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $98,580 adjusted by Charleston's cost of living index (113). The typical salary range runs from $83,123 (25th percentile) to $149,397 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $189,840.

Is Charleston affordable for a Project Manager?

On a $111,395 annual salary, a Project Manager in Charleston would spend approximately 20.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,917/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Charleston relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $430,000 is 3.9Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Project Manager's salary compare to Charleston's overall income?

Charleston's median household income is $72,000. A Project Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $111,395 earns 54.7% more than the typical Charleston household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.