South Carolina ranks 16th of 51 states and D.C. for mechanical engineers pay, trailing top-paying New Mexico ($141,490) by $36,130 — a 34% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $67,210 to $148,720 — a $81,510 spread, 12% tighter than the national $92,500 range.
South Carolina employs roughly 1.8% of all mechanical engineers in the country (5,060 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $67,210 | $32.31 |
| 25th percentile | $82,470 | $39.65 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $105,360 | $50.66 |
| 75th percentile | $126,560 | $60.85 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $148,720 | $71.50 |
| Mean (average) | $107,690 | $51.78 |
How South Carolina Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. South Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina (current) | $105,360 | n/a |
| New Mexico | $141,490 | +34% |
| District of Columbia | $130,000 | +23% |
| Alaska | $129,990 | +23% |
| California | $126,370 | +20% |
| Massachusetts | $122,670 | +16% |
| Wyoming | $116,910 | +11% |
| Rhode Island | $115,270 | +9% |
| Louisiana | $114,050 | +8% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in South Carolina
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $105,220 | 8,150 |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $104,330 | 5,840 |
| Electrical Engineers | $104,210 | 2,450 |
| Lawyers | $104,160 | 7,270 |
| Construction Managers | $104,040 | 4,750 |
| Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers | $102,650 | 2,680 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Mechanical Engineers salary in South Carolina?
The mean mechanical engineers salary in South Carolina is $107,690 per year. The median (middle) salary is $105,360 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Mechanical Engineers in South Carolina?
Entry-level mechanical engineerss (10th percentile) in South Carolina typically earn around $67,210 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $82,470 per year.
What is the highest Mechanical Engineers salary in South Carolina?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in South Carolina make approximately $148,720 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $126,560 per year.
How does the South Carolina Mechanical Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median mechanical engineers salary in South Carolina is $105,360, which is +3% above national average of $102,320.