Charleston vs Summerville: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Charleston, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,261▲ | $58,273 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.97▲ | $28.01 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,526▲ | $40,840 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,008▲ | $46,286 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,563 | $74,589▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,264 | $90,323▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,480▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Charleston and Summerville is $1,988 (3.41%). Charleston's median is -6.62% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $30,738,Summerville spans $49,483. Summerville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Summerville ($63,686 effective) pays 6.70% more than Charleston ($59,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,261/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,480 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,323)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,686)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Charleston grew 42.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$41,380 (2019) → $59,010 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$48,378 (2024) → $57,063 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Charleston or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Summerville?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Summerville as a electrician?
What do entry-level electricians earn in Charleston vs Summerville?
Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov