Data Analyst in Summerville, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Summerville Stands

If you’re a data analyst eyeing Summerville, you’re looking at a market that’s holding its own, but with a distinct low-country flavor. The median salary here sits at $83,510/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.15/hour. That’s just a hair above the national average of $83,360/year, but the real story isn't the single number—it's the range based on experience and the local context.

Summerville is part of the Charleston-North Charleston metropolitan area, a region with a surprisingly robust tech and data scene driven by logistics, healthcare, and aerospace. There are currently 102 data analyst jobs listed in the metro, and the 10-year job growth projection is a very healthy 36%. This means the market is active and expanding, but competition for the top roles is real.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in the Summerville area. Remember, these are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards; your exact salary will depend on your specific skills (e.g., Python, SQL, Tableau), industry (e.g., healthcare vs. logistics), and the size of the employer.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Summerville Metro)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$55,000 - $68,000	Focus on data cleaning, basic reporting, and dashboard maintenance. Often found in support roles within larger local companies.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$70,000 - $95,000	Independent analysis, model building, and presenting insights to stakeholders. This is where the median salary ($83,510) typically falls.
Senior Analyst (5-8+ years)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Leading projects, mentoring junior staff, and influencing business strategy. Specialization (e.g., BI, marketing analytics) adds a premium.
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$120,000 - $150,000+	Architecting data solutions, managing analytics teams, and directing data strategy. Often requires advanced skills and domain expertise.

How does this compare to other SC cities?

• Charleston: Expect a 5-10% premium for similar roles, closer to a $90,000+ median, but with significantly higher rent and traffic.
• Columbia: Salaries are more aligned with Summerville (median around $82,000), but the job market is more government- and university-focused.
• Greenville: A stronger contender for tech roles, with salaries potentially $5,000-$10,000 higher than Summerville, but with a very different economic base (manufacturing, automotive).

Summerville’s value is in its balance: strong pay, a lower cost of living than Charleston, and a growing local market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A median salary looks great on paper, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Summerville?

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,510
• Filing Status: Single, no dependents
• Deductions: Standard deduction, no pre-tax retirement contributions (for a conservative estimate)
• Location: Summerville, SC

Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Federal Tax: ~$900
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): ~$635
• SC State Income Tax: ~$400 (SC has a progressive tax bracket; this is an estimate)
• Total Monthly Deductions: ~$1,935
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$4,850

Monthly Budget Breakdown at Median Salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Insider Tips
Housing (1BR Apt)	$1,106	The average 1BR rent. In nicer areas like Nexton or historic downtown, expect $1,250-$1,400.
Utilities	$180 - $250	Includes electric, water, garbage, and internet. Summers can spike electric bills due to A/C.
Groceries	$350 - $400	Summerville has major chains (Publix, Harris Teeter) and local farmers' markets.
Transportation	$200 - $400	If you have a car (most do), this covers gas, insurance, and maintenance. No state inspection, but insurance rates are moderate.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	If not covered by an employer. Premiums vary widely.
Misc./Entertainment	$400 - $600	Dining, streaming, hobbies, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,486 - $3,156
Remaining (Savings/Debt)	~$1,694 - $2,364

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. As of late 2023/early 2024, the median home price in Summerville is around $375,000. With a $83,510 salary, here’s a rough estimate:

• 20% Down Payment: $75,000 (a significant upfront cost)
• Mortgage (30-year @ ~6.5%): ~$1,900/month (Principal & Interest)
• Taxes & Insurance: ~$600/month
• Total Monthly Housing Cost: ~$2,500

This is about 52% of your net monthly income, which is above the recommended 30%. It’s doable if you:

1. Have a substantial down payment (reducing the loan amount).
2. Have a dual-income household (with a partner earning a similar salary).
3. Are willing to buy in a more affordable neighborhood (see below).

Insider Tip: Many data analysts in the area wait until they hit the senior level ($95,000+) before buying, which makes the numbers much more comfortable.

Where the Jobs Are: Summerville's Major Employers

Summerville's job market for data analysts is driven by a mix of regional headquarters, healthcare, and logistics. While many tech companies are in downtown Charleston, several major employers have significant data needs right in Summerville.

1. Roper St. Francis Healthcare: A major regional health system with a large presence in Summerville. They have a constant need for analysts to work on patient outcomes, operational efficiency, and financial data. Hiring tends to be steady, with openings for both entry-level and senior roles.
2. Summerville Medical Center (Trident Health): Another key healthcare employer. Their focus is often on clinical data, population health, and resource allocation. They often partner with larger healthcare IT firms, creating opportunities for analysts with specific healthcare data experience.
3. BMW Manufacturing (in nearby Spartanburg, but a major regional employer): While the plant isn't in Summerville, its supply chain and corporate offices create a ripple effect. Many logistics and manufacturing companies that feed into BMW have data needs. A 45-minute commute to Spartanburg is common for data pros.
4. Boeing South Carolina: The massive aerospace manufacturer in nearby North Charleston is a huge employer of engineers and analysts. They look for data analysts with skills in predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, and quality control. Security clearance can be a plus.
5. Regional Logistics & Port Companies: Summerville is a key logistics hub between the Port of Charleston and inland markets. Companies like Southeastern Freight Lines (headquartered in Columbia, with a Summerville presence) and various third-party logistics (3PL) firms need analysts for route optimization, capacity planning, and cost analysis.
6. Charleston County School District: With a large and growing student population, the district employs analysts for student performance data, budgeting, and resource allocation. This is a more stable, government-related role.
7. Nexton Development: As one of the largest planned communities in the state, the management company behind Nexton employs analysts for market research, resident data analytics, and operational efficiency across the community’s amenities.

Hiring Trends: The hottest roles right now are in supply chain analytics (thanks to the Port of Charleston) and healthcare data analytics. There’s also a growing demand for analysts who can bridge the gap between raw data and business strategy, not just report on past performance.

Getting Licensed in SC

This is an important point: South Carolina has no state-specific license required to work as a data analyst. The field is unregulated. However, professional certifications are where the real value lies. They are your license to compete.

• What You Actually Need: A bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, Business) is the standard entry requirement. For career advancement, certifications are key.
• Top Certifications (and their local relevance):
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate: Excellent for entry-level roles. Recognized by many local employers as a solid foundation.
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate: Extremely valuable. Many local businesses (from small retailers to healthcare) use the Microsoft ecosystem. This is a near-universal skill in the Summerville-Charleston market.
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate: Also very relevant, especially in larger corporations and the healthcare sector.
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP): A more advanced, vendor-neutral certification for senior analysts.
• Costs: Exam costs range from $100 (Google) to $200 (Tableau, Microsoft). Study materials (online courses, practice tests) can cost an additional $100-$500.
• Timeline: If you’re starting from scratch with no experience, plan for 3-6 months of dedicated study (10-15 hours/week) to prepare for and pass a foundational certification like the Google or Power BI cert.

Insider Tip: The local tech meetups (in Charleston) often have study groups for these certifications. It’s a great way to network while you’re learning.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Summerville is spread out, and your choice of neighborhood impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a guide for a data analyst’s budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It’s a Good Fit
Nexton	Modern, planned community. 20-min drive to North Charleston/Charleston. A bit isolated but has everything.	$1,300 - $1,500	Great for young professionals. New apartments, fast internet, a walkable "town center," and a strong community feel. Many tech workers live here.
Historic Downtown Summerville	Charming, walkable, small-town feel. 5-min drive to most local offices. Can be expensive.	$1,200 - $1,600+	Ideal if you want to be in the heart of things, avoid long commutes, and enjoy local eateries and parks. Older buildings, less consistent internet.
Flowertown	Classic Summerville, residential and quiet. 10-15 min commute. Mostly single-family homes, but some apartments.	$1,000 - $1,200	Offers more space for your money. Great for those who want a suburban, family-friendly environment without being in a mega-development.
Carnes Crossroads	Similar to Nexton but slightly older and more established. Good schools, parks, and amenities. 20-min commute.	$1,150 - $1,400	A sweet spot for balancing community amenities with a more relaxed pace than Nexton. Strong rental market.
Cane Bay	Farther out (30+ min to Charleston). More affordable, newer homes/apartments. Very family-oriented.	$950 - $1,200	The most budget-friendly option for a nice apartment. The commute to Charleston is a major trade-off, but it’s manageable if you work remotely or for a local Summerville employer.

Insider Tip: If you work for a company in North Charleston (like Boeing), living in Nexton or Carnes Crossroads cuts your commute dramatically compared to living in historic Summerville.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Summerville is an excellent launchpad, but for the highest salaries, you need to think about specialization and geography.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Supply Chain Analytics: With the Port of Charleston as a major economic engine, analysts with skills in logistics, inventory optimization, and transportation modeling can command a 10-15% premium over the median.
  • Healthcare Analytics: As the population ages, the demand for analysts who understand clinical data, billing systems, and patient outcomes will only grow. This is a stable, high-demand niche.
  • Business Intelligence (BI) & Dashboarding: Proficiency in tools like Power BI and Tableau is table stakes. Senior BI developers can push salaries toward the $110,000+ mark locally.
• Advancement Paths:
  • Individual Contributor: Entry-Level → Mid-Level → Senior Analyst → Principal Analyst/Subject Matter Expert. This path stays hands-on with data.
  • Management: Senior Analyst → Analytics Manager → Director of Analytics. This path requires strong communication and leadership skills, moving away from daily coding.
  • The Charleston Factor: Many data professionals in Summerville spend 2-3 years here, build their resume, and then move to a higher-paying role in downtown Charleston (often with a hybrid schedule). The 36% growth means there will be opportunities locally, but the ceiling is higher in the larger metro.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% job growth is not just a number; it reflects the region's economic diversification. While logistics and healthcare will remain core, watch for growth in fintech (with companies moving from NY) and climate/resilience data (a growing field in the Lowcountry). The skills will be in demand, but continuous learning is non-negotiable.

The Verdict: Is Summerville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong Earning Power: Median salary ($83,510) is at/near the national average with a lower cost of living.	Commute to Higher-Paying Jobs: The highest salaries are often in downtown Charleston, which can mean a 30-45 minute commute with traffic.
Robust Job Market: 102 jobs and 36% growth show a healthy, expanding local market.	Limited "Tech Scene" Vibe: It’s a family town, not a tech hub. Networking happens in Charleston, not Summerville.
Affordable Housing (vs. Charleston): You can rent a nice 1BR for $1,106 or buy a home sooner.	Summer & Hurricane Season: The climate can be challenging, and you must be prepared for hurricane risks (and insurance costs).
Great Quality of Life: Low traffic (compared to Charleston), excellent schools (Dorchester District 2), and a historic, charming downtown.	Salary Ceiling: While comfortable, top-tier salaries for data architects or senior VPs often reside in larger cities.
Gateway to Charleston: You get access to the Charleston job market, restaurants, and culture without paying Charleston prices or dealing with its traffic daily.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal. You will need a reliable car.

Final Recommendation:
Summerville is an excellent choice for data analysts in the mid-level stage of their career (3-8 years of experience) who value work-life balance and affordability. It’s a fantastic place to build a solid resume, earn a competitive salary, and potentially buy a home. It may not satisfy someone seeking a high-energy, urban tech environment, but it offers a pragmatic and rewarding career path. For recent graduates, it’s a great first market to gain experience before potentially moving to a larger, more expensive city. For senior analysts, the local opportunities are solid, but you should actively network in Charleston to keep your options open for the top-tier roles.

FAQs

Q: Is it necessary to know Python or R to get a data analyst job in Summerville?
A: It’s increasingly important, but not always mandatory for entry-level roles. SQL is non-negotiable. For mid-to-senior roles, Python (for automation and advanced analysis) or R (common in healthcare and academia) will set you apart. Many local employers still rely heavily on Excel and Power BI.

Q: How competitive is the job market for someone without a local network?
A: It’s manageable. While networking is valuable, many local employers post jobs on LinkedIn, Indeed, and their own websites. Having a strong online portfolio (GitHub for code, Tableau Public for dashboards) can make you stand out from a distance. Consider reaching out to recruiters at firms like Robert Half Technology or BCT Partners who serve the Charleston area.

Q: What’s the commute like if I work in Charleston but live in Summerville?
A: It’s a common setup. The I-