Project Manager Career Guide: Florence, SC

If you're a Project Manager (PM) looking for a career change that balances opportunity with a lower cost of living, Florence, South Carolina, deserves your attention. As someone who’s watched this city evolve from a textile and tobacco hub into a diversified regional center, I can tell you it’s a place where your professional skills are valued, and your paycheck goes a lot further. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what it takes to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

Let's cut to the chase: Project Managers in Florence earn a solid middle-class wage that feels significantly more powerful thanks to the city's low cost of living. The median salary for Project Managers in the Florence metro area is $97,633 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.94. This is competitive for the region, though it sits slightly below the national average of $101,280. The key context here is the cost of living. With Florence's index at 88.0 (US average = 100), that median salary has the purchasing power of over $111,000 in a typical American city.

This isn't a high-volume market. The Florence metro supports approximately 80 Project Manager jobs at any given time, but the 10-year job growth projection is a steady 6%. This indicates stability, not explosive growth. The jobs that are here are often with established local employers, and competition for them can be seasoned but not cutthroat.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your earning potential will track directly with your experience and the specific industry you target.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Florence, SC)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$65,000 - $80,000	Supports senior PMs, manages sub-tasks, learns local compliance.
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$97,633 (Median) - $115,000	Manages entire projects, handles budgets up to $500k, coordinates local teams.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000	Oversees multiple projects/programs, strategic planning, client management.
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	Leads departments, mentors PMOs, drives regional strategy.

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median data and local employer benchmarks. Specialized certs (PMP, Agile) can push you toward the higher end.

Comparison to Other SC Cities

How does Florence stack up against its Palmetto State peers?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Take-Home Power (Adjusted)
Florence	$97,633	88.0	High
Charleston	$105,500	112.5	Medium
Columbia	$99,870	94.2	Medium-High
Greenville	$102,450	98.5	Medium
National Avg	$101,280	100.0	Baseline

Florence’s advantage is clear: it offers a salary that’s competitive with the state capital (Columbia) and the growth hub of Greenville, but its cost of living is a full 12% below the state average. You’ll feel your money stretch further here than almost anywhere else in South Carolina.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $97,633 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly life in Florence? Let’s break it down with realistic figures for a single filer with no dependents, using standard federal and SC state tax deductions (approx. 25% total).

• Annual Gross Salary: $97,633
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (After ~25% taxes): $6,090
• Average Florence 1BR Rent: $792/month

Your monthly budget would look something like this:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$792	Based on citywide average.
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, internet.
Groceries	$400	Florence has major grocery chains (Food Lion, Publix).
Car Payment/Gas	$450	Florence is car-dependent. Gas is ~$0.20/gal below nat'l avg.
Health Insurance	$350	Varies by employer; this is a common post-tax cost.
Misc. (Dining, Fun, Savings)	$3,918	This is your disposable income.

This leaves you with a surplus of nearly $3,900 after essential expenses. This is where Florence’s power lies. You can aggressively pay down debt, save for a down payment, or invest, all while enjoying a comfortable lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. The median home price in the Florence area is approximately $175,000. With your take-home pay and low rents, saving for a 20% down payment ($35,000) is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A monthly mortgage payment (with property taxes and insurance) on a $175,000 home would likely be between $1,100 and $1,300, which is still very manageable on your salary. Many local PMs build equity here instead of throwing money at high rent in bigger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Florence's Major Employers

The job market in Florence is anchored by regional healthcare, education, and manufacturing. Project Manager roles are often found in construction, IT, healthcare administration, and logistics.

1. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center & Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital: The two major hospital systems are the largest employers in the region. They hire PMs for facilities expansion, IT system rollouts (like Epic), and construction projects. Insider Tip: Healthcare projects are fast-paced here due to regulatory needs. Experience with healthcare compliance is a major plus.
2. South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) - District 4: Florence is a district headquarters. They constantly manage road, bridge, and infrastructure projects. These are stable, government-sector jobs with excellent benefits. Hiring is often tied to state funding cycles.
3. General Electric (GE) / GE Vernova: The massive GE manufacturing plant (focus on power and grid solutions) is a cornerstone of Florence’s industry. They employ PMs for plant expansions, supply chain logistics, and new product launches. Their projects are large-scale and technical.
4. Florence School District 1 & 2: Large public school districts manage constant renovation, new construction, and technology integration projects. These roles often require understanding of public bidding processes and budget management.
5. McLeod Health: Another major regional health system with a significant Florence presence. Similar to MUSC, they are regularly expanding facilities and upgrading systems, creating steady demand for experienced PMs.
6. Local Construction & Engineering Firms: Companies like Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority (regional projects) and local firms like Seamon Whiteside (landscape architecture/engineering) hire PMs for commercial and civil projects. The construction sector is active, especially with Florence’s growth.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing need for PMs with hybrid skills—traditional PM (PMP) plus Agile or Scrum methodologies, especially for tech and healthcare IT projects. The market isn’t flooded with applicants, so a well-crafted resume targeting these specific employers can get you noticed quickly.

Getting Licensed in SC

South Carolina does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. However, professional certification is highly valued and often a de facto requirement for mid-to-senior roles.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). Cost: $405-$555 (member vs. non-member). Requires 3,600 hours of leading projects and 35 hours of education. This is the most recognized credential in Florence, especially for corporate and healthcare roles.
• Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM): Great for entry-level. Cost: $225-$300. Requires secondary education and 1,500 hours of project experience or 23 hours of project management education.
• Agile Certifications (CSM, A-CSM): Highly sought after in tech and software projects. Cost: $995-$1,495 for Certified ScrumMaster. Prisma Health and tech vendors value these.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. If you have the experience: Study for the PMP (3-6 months of on/off study), then apply and schedule the exam. You can be certified and job-ready in 6-9 months.
2. If you're entry-level: Start with the CAPM. You could be certified in 3-4 months. Use it to land a coordinator role, then gain experience for the PMP.

State-Specific Note: If you work on public infrastructure projects (e.g., with SCDOT), you may need to understand the South Carolina Procurement Code and local bidding rules. This knowledge is gained on the job, not through a license.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Florence is a driving city. Your choice of neighborhood affects your commute and lifestyle. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

1. West Florence (Off I-95, near Mall): The most popular area for professionals. Modern apartments and subdivisions, easy access to I-95 for commutes to GE or downtown. Close to shopping and restaurants. 1BR Rent: $850-$950.
2. Downtown Florence (Historic District): For those who want walkability and character. You’ll find renovated lofts and older apartments. The vibe is artsy and social, with restaurants and events. Commute to most employers is under 15 minutes by car. 1BR Rent: $900-$1,200.
3. South Florence (Near McLeod/Highway 52): Residential and family-oriented. More affordable, with established neighborhoods and single-family homes. A bit further from the core, but still a 15-20 minute drive to most jobs. 1BR Rent: $700-$850.
4. Mars Bluff / North Florence (Near Highway 76): Growing area with new subdivisions. Offers a more suburban feel with newer homes and good schools. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. 1BR Rent: $750-$900.

Insider Tip: Most Florentines drive. Test your potential commute during rush hour (7:30 AM & 5:00 PM) to get a real sense of traffic, which is mild compared to major metros.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Florence, growth is more about depth than breadth. You won’t find the same density of tech startups or Fortune 500 HQs as in Charlotte or Atlanta. Instead, growth comes from specialization and moving up within the region’s largest employers.

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with healthcare IT (Epic/EMR), construction management (with OSHA 30), or supply chain/logistics (critical for GE) can command a 10-15% premium over the median. Certifications are the key to unlocking these.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Project Coordinator -> Project Manager -> Senior PM -> Program Manager or PMO Director. The jump from Senior to Director is significant and often requires managing multi-million dollar portfolios. This is achievable within the major hospital systems or at GE.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth will be driven by healthcare expansion (aging population), infrastructure needs (aging roads/bridges), and steady industrial activity. The demand won’t be explosive, but it will be consistent. Your best bet for rapid career advancement is to gain 3-5 years of experience in Florence and then leverage that regional expertise for a leadership role in the larger Columbia or Charlotte markets, if desired.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

Florence offers a compelling value proposition: a strong salary anchored by an even stronger cost of living. It’s a place for PMs who value stability, community, and financial freedom over the hustle of a major metro.

Pros	Cons
High Purchasing Power: Your salary goes very far.	Limited Job Market: Only ~80 openings; may require patience.
Stable, Anchor Employers: Healthcare and industry provide steady jobs.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal; you will drive everywhere.
Manageable Commutes: No traffic jams; easy access to work/life.	Fewer Networking Events: Smaller professional community.
Slower Pace of Life: Less stress, more time for hobbies/family.	Limited Cultural Diversity: Less exposure to global industries.
Gateway to Nature: Close to beaches, lakes, and state parks.	Salary Ceiling: Top-tier earnings may cap lower than major metros.

Final Recommendation: Florence is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers, especially those in healthcare, construction, or industrial fields, who are priced out of larger cities or seeking a better work-life balance. It’s not the place for a PM seeking a high-growth, fast-paced tech startup environment. If you value stability, community, and the ability to own a home and save aggressively, Florence is a hidden gem worth serious consideration.

FAQs

1. Are there remote Project Manager jobs available to Florence residents?
Yes, but they are competitive. The local market is shifting, and many companies (including regional offices of national firms) now offer hybrid or remote options. However, fully remote roles often go to candidates in larger talent pools. Your best bet is to secure a local role first, then explore remote opportunities from a position of stability.

2. How is the professional network for PMs in Florence?
It’s smaller but tight-knit. The PMI Charleston Chapter (the closest active chapter) hosts events you can attend. Locally, networking happens through employer-specific events, the Florence Regional Chamber of Commerce, and industry-specific groups (e.g., healthcare or construction associations). You’ll need to be proactive.

3. What’s the interview process like for Project Manager roles here?
Expect a traditional interview style. Local employers value cultural fit and community ties. They will ask about your experience with specific types of projects (e.g., “Tell us about a time you managed a budget over $100k”). They may also inquire about your understanding of the Florence area—show you’ve done your homework.

4. Can I get by without a car in Florence?
It’s extremely difficult. The city is spread out, and public transportation (Florence Transit) has limited routes and hours. For a Project Manager who needs to visit job sites, meet with clients, or commute to industrial parks, a reliable car is non-negotiable.

5. What’s the best way to start my job search from out of state?
Target the major employers listed above (MUSC, Prisma, GE, SCDOT) and check their career pages directly. Use LinkedIn to connect with recruiters and current PMs in the area, mentioning your interest in relocating to Florence. Be prepared to discuss your motivation for moving to the region—it’s a question you will be asked.