South Carolina Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / South Carolina Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in South Carolina
South Carolina’s trade demand isn’t uniform—it follows where factories land and housing spreads outward. Manufacturing expansions create pockets of long-term maintenance work, while surrounding areas rely more heavily on construction and service trades.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in South Carolina (from this table): Lineworker ($82,683)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $54,684 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $34,968 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in South Carolina.
- Most stable demand in South Carolina: on-site maintenance roles tied to factories and port-adjacent facilities rather than residential cycles.
- Best way to increase earnings: move onto plant-side systems work (controls, reliability, instrumentation) instead of staying job-to-job.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($82,683) · CDL Truck Driver ($69,430) · AV Technician ($64,376)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in South Carolina
Demand is shaped most by manufacturing buildouts around the Upstate and coastal growth near Charleston that feed both installs and long-term plant work, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
South Carolina wages often improve when workers transition from growth-driven construction into long-term industrial or facilities roles.
- Outlook: Growing (manufacturing expansion)
- What drives demand: manufacturing buildouts around the Upstate and coastal growth near Charleston that feed both installs and long-term plant work.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in South Carolina
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in South Carolina. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $24.88 | $995 | $4,315 | $51,732 |
| AV Technician | $30.95 | $1,238 | $5,365 | $64,376 |
| Carpenter | $24.25 | $970 | $4,203 | $50,440 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.38 | $1,335 | $5,786 | $69,430 |
| CNC Machinist | $22.94 | $918 | $3,976 | $47,715 |
| Construction | $24.35 | $974 | $4,221 | $50,648 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.69 | $1,068 | $4,626 | $55,515 |
| Diesel Technician | $27.73 | $1,109 | $4,807 | $57,678 |
| Electrician | $29.39 | $1,176 | $5,094 | $61,131 |
| Heavy Equipment | $24.01 | $929 | $4,024 | $48,299 |
| HVAC Technician | $26.97 | $1,081 | $4,685 | $56,220 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.66 | $1,066 | $4,621 | $55,454 |
| Ironworker | $25.39 | $1,014 | $4,393 | $52,716 |
| Lineworker | $39.75 | $1,590 | $6,890 | $82,683 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.59 | $1,104 | $4,781 | $57,329 |
| Mason | $25.92 | $1,037 | $4,493 | $53,914 |
| Plumber | $31.20 | $1,205 | $5,223 | $62,672 |
| Roofer | $23.44 | $938 | $4,063 | $48,755 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $24.80 | $947 | $4,104 | $49,248 |
| Welder | $23.66 | $943 | $4,090 | $49,032 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why South Carolina Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
South Carolina’s skilled-trade demand is fueled by population growth, major manufacturing investments, port expansion, and residential construction. Automotive manufacturing, logistics, energy infrastructure, and coastal development create consistent opportunities for electricians, HVAC technicians, plumbers, welders, industrial maintenance workers, and construction trades across the state.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Charleston & Lowcountry: Port operations, ship repair, commercial construction, and coastal residential development drive electrical, HVAC, and mechanical demand.
- Upstate (Greenville–Spartanburg): Automotive manufacturing, suppliers, and industrial maintenance create steady work for electricians, welders, and technicians.
- Columbia: Government facilities, healthcare systems, and infrastructure projects support multiple skilled trades.
- Statewide: Rapid population growth keeps residential construction and service trades consistently busy.
Major Employers and Contractors in South Carolina
Tradespeople in South Carolina commonly work with large manufacturers, utilities, and regional contractors, including:
- BMW Manufacturing (Greer) — Automotive production and industrial maintenance roles.
- Volvo Cars USA — Manufacturing and skilled maintenance operations in the Lowcountry.
- South Carolina Ports Authority — Port infrastructure, electrical systems, and mechanical maintenance.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in South Carolina
South Carolina is a right-to-work state with a predominantly non-union construction and manufacturing workforce. Most trade careers begin through direct hiring, employer-run training programs, or technical colleges. Union opportunities exist but are limited and generally tied to specific trades or large industrial projects.
Union Apprenticeships in South Carolina
Union programs exist in select trades and regions, though they represent a smaller share of the overall market:
- IBEW Local 776 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Charleston area.
- IBEW Local 379 — Electrical training covering the Charlotte metro area, including parts of northern South Carolina.
- UA Local 421 — Plumbing and pipefitting apprenticeships based in Charleston.
Ready to start a trade career in South Carolina?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across South Carolina.
South Carolina Trade Schools & Apprenticeships