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Restaurant 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.

Restaurant Manager Salary in Charleston β€” Key Numbers

$69,280
Median Salary
$52,963
25th Percentile
$91,598
75th Percentile
$117,667
90th Percentile
National median (Restaurant Manager)$61,310
vs. National median+13.0%
Charleston median household income$72,000
vs. City household income-3.8%

Cost of Living in Charleston

Cost of Living Index
113(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,917/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio33.2%
Annual rent cost$23,004
Median Home Price$430,000
Home Price / Salary6.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$86,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.2 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.

Restaurant Manager Salary β€” Other South Carolina Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated median salary for a Restaurant Manager in Charleston is $69,280 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $61,310 adjusted by Charleston's cost of living index (113). The typical salary range runs from $52,963 (25th percentile) to $91,598 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $117,667.

Is Charleston affordable for a Restaurant Manager?

On a $69,280 annual salary, a Restaurant Manager in Charleston would spend approximately 33.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,917/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $430,000 is 6.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Charleston's median household income is $72,000. A Restaurant Manager earning the city-adjusted median of $69,280 earns 3.8% 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.

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.