Greenville vs North Charleston: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,329 | $116,478▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.63 | $56.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,494▲ | $68,410 |
| 25th Percentile | $86,340 | $92,090▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $133,346 | $147,512▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,302 | $177,875▲ |
| Total Employed | 690▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $11,149 (10.58%). North Charleston's median is -6.84% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $94,808,North Charleston spans $109,465. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($127,298 effective) pays 12.71% more than Greenville ($112,941 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($116,478/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($177,875)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $127,298)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Greenville grew 36.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.7% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$74,640 (2019) → $101,620 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$96,273 (2024) → $112,376 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Greenville or North Charleston?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov