Project Manager in Rock Hill, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Rock Hill Stands

As a local who’s watched Rock Hill’s economy evolve from textile mills to a tech and education hub, I can tell you the project management landscape here is stable, but not booming. The median salary for a Project Manager in metro Rock Hill is $100,368/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $48.25/hour. This figure places you slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, a common reality for many roles in the Carolinas, though the lower cost of living often offsets this gap.

The job market is tight but consistent. There are approximately 151 Project Manager jobs in the metro at any given time, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, driven largely by the region’s focus on manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector projects. For context, Columbia’s market is more saturated with government work, while Greenville’s is more aggressively tech-oriented. Rock Hill occupies a middle ground—diverse enough for variety, stable enough for long-term planning.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Rock Hill area:

Rock Hill Project Manager Salary by Experience

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Industries
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$65,000 - $80,000	Manufacturing, construction, local government
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $110,000	Healthcare, finance, energy
Senior-Level (8-12 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Aerospace, logistics, engineering services
Expert/Lead (13+ years)	$140,000+	Corporate program management, consulting

Insider Tip: The project management role in Rock Hill often blurs with construction management due to the city’s ongoing infrastructure projects. If you have PMP certification and experience with public works, you can command a premium of 10-15% above these median figures, especially when working with firms like the City of Rock Hill or York County.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about what a $100,368 salary actually means in Rock Hill. The Cost of Living Index here is 97.0, meaning it’s about 3% cheaper than the U.S. average. With an average 1BR rent of $1,067/month, you’re not crushed by housing costs, but you’re not living lavishly either.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Project Manager earning the median salary. (Note: This uses 2023 tax brackets and SC’s progressive income tax, which ranges from 0-7%. Federal taxes are estimated for a single filer with standard deduction.)

Monthly Take-Home Budget (Median Salary)

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,364	$100,368 / 12
Estimated Taxes (Fed & State)	-$2,000	~24% effective rate
Net Monthly Pay	$6,364
Rent (1BR Apartment)	-$1,067	Avg. for city
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	-$250	Moderate usage
Car Payment & Insurance	-$450	SC auto rates are moderate
Groceries & Dining	-$600
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$350	Varies by employer
Retirement (401k, 6% match)	-$500	Pre-tax
Discretionary/Entertainment	-$800	Movies, local events, etc.
Savings/Investment	$2,347

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, with discipline. The median home price in Rock Hill is around $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of about $1,530 (PITI). This is about $463 more than the average rent, but still manageable on a $100,368 salary if you’ve saved aggressively. However, it would require cutting discretionary spending by about 60%. Many local Project Managers I know choose to rent in the city center and buy in suburban areas like Fort Mill or Tega Cay for more space and lower taxes.

Where the Jobs Are: Rock Hill's Major Employers

Rock Hill’s job market is anchored by a mix of manufacturing, healthcare, education, and public sectors. Unlike Charlotte’s banking focus, Rock Hill’s employers are more diverse, offering stability in economic downturns.

1. 3M Rock Hill: A massive manufacturing facility producing adhesive tapes and medical products. They hire Project Managers for process improvement, plant expansion, and R&D projects. Hiring is steady, with a focus on engineers who can transition to PM roles. Insider tip: Knowing Six Sigma or lean manufacturing principles gives you a significant edge here.

2. Piedmont Medical Center (Part of Advocate Health): The largest hospital in the county. They manage constant IT system upgrades, new wing constructions, and community health programs. Project Managers with healthcare IT or PMP certification are in demand. Turnover is low, so openings are competitive.

3. City of Rock Hill & York County Government: With the city’s growth, there’s ongoing work in infrastructure (road expansions, parks, public safety buildings) and IT (smart city initiatives). These are stable, pension-eligible roles. The hiring process is slow and bureaucratic, but the benefits are excellent.

4. Winthrop University: While academic salaries can be lower, the university hires Project Managers for facilities projects, IT upgrades, and grant-funded research initiatives. It’s a great environment for those seeking a work-life balance and academic perks.

5. Amazon Fulfillment Center (CLT2): Located just over the border in Charlotte, this facility impacts Rock Hill’s job market. Amazon hires Project Managers for operations, process improvement, and launch projects. The work is fast-paced and high-pressure, but the experience is invaluable for career growth.

6. Family Trust Credit Union: A local financial institution with a growing tech division. They need Project Managers for digital transformation projects (mobile app, online banking). It’s a smaller, more agile environment compared to Charlotte banks.

Hiring Trend: There’s a noticeable shift towards hybrid roles. Employers here increasingly want Project Managers who can also handle some business analysis or Scrum Master duties, especially in the tech-adjacent sectors.

Getting Licensed in SC

For Project Managers, licensure isn’t about a state-specific license to practice, but about professional certifications that employers strongly prefer. South Carolina does not require a state license for project management, but the PMP (Project Management Professional) from the PMI is the gold standard.

Requirements & Process:

1. PMP Certification: Requires a secondary degree (high school diploma) with 7,500 hours leading projects and 35 hours of project management education. For a bachelor’s degree, it’s 36 months of experience and 35 hours. The exam costs $405 for members and $555 for non-members.
2. SC-Specific Training: While not required, completing a course at a local provider like York Technical College or Winthrop’s continuing education program can be beneficial. They offer PMP prep courses for about $1,200 - $1,500.
3. Timeline: From starting your application to taking the exam, expect 3-6 months. The exam itself is a 4-hour, 180-question test. Many local professionals study for 8-12 weeks.

Insider Tip: The PMI South Carolina Chapter holds monthly meetings in Charlotte (easily accessible from Rock Hill). Attending these is a fantastic way to network and stay current, as local PMI chapters often have better connections to regional job postings.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Rock Hill significantly impacts your commute and lifestyle. The city is spread out, with distinct pockets of character.

1. Downtown Rock Hill (Old Town): The heartbeat of the city. You’re walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, and the vibrant Cultural & Heritage Trail. Commute to most major employers (3M, City Hall) is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $1,200 - $1,500. Best for those who want urban living with a small-town feel.

2. Riverwalk/Manchester Village: A newer, master-planned area along the Catawba River. It’s more suburban, with parks, trails, and newer apartment complexes. Commute to the west side (3M, industrial parks) is easy. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,300. Ideal for active professionals who want modern amenities.

3. Oakdale/ Celanese: Established, quiet neighborhoods with single-family homes. It’s close to Winthrop University and Piedmont Medical Center. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,150 (often in older duplexes or garden apartments). Perfect for those seeking affordability and a residential feel.

4. Fort Mill (South Carolina side): Technically in York County, but part of the metro. It’s known for top-rated schools and master-planned communities like Regent Park. Commute to Rock Hill is 15-20 minutes via I-77. Rent for a 1BR: $1,250 - $1,450. Best for Project Managers with families or those looking to buy a home in a highly-rated school district.

5. India Hook: A mix of older homes and new developments near Lake Wylie. It’s quieter, with a lake lifestyle, but a 20-25 minute commute to downtown Rock Hill. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,200. Great for those who prioritize space and a scenic environment over a central location.

Insider Tip: Traffic on I-77 during rush hour can add 10-15 minutes to any commute from Fort Mill or the southern areas. If you work at 3M or the industrial parks on the west side, living in Riverwalk or Oakdale will save you significant time.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Rock Hill, career growth for Project Managers is more about specialization than climbing a corporate ladder. The 10-year job growth of 6% suggests a stable, but not rapidly expanding, market. To increase your earning potential, consider these paths:

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/Agile Projects: Project Managers with Scrum or Agile certifications can command a 15-20% salary premium. This is especially true for roles with tech-forward employers like Family Trust or the IT divisions at 3M.
  • Construction/Engineering: With Rock Hill’s infrastructure projects, PMs with a PE (Professional Engineer) license or heavy construction experience can see salaries jump to the $120,000+ range.
  • Healthcare PM: Specializing in healthcare IT or process improvement at Piedmont Medical can lead to program manager roles paying $130,000+.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Coordinator → Project Manager: Usually takes 2-3 years. Focus on mastering tools like MS Project and Jira.
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM/Program Manager: Requires 5-8 years of experience, often managing larger budgets ($1M+). This is common in manufacturing and healthcare.
  3. Senior PM → Director of PMO or Portfolio Manager: This is the top tier, often requiring 12+ years and an MBA or advanced degree. These roles are scarce in Rock Hill and may require commuting to Charlotte.

• 10-Year Outlook: The growth in 6% will likely be absorbed by the expansion of existing employers (e.g., 3M, Piedmont) rather than new major players. The rise of remote work for Charlotte-based companies is a wild card—many Rock Hill residents now work for Charlotte firms, giving them access to higher salaries without leaving the area.

The Verdict: Is Rock Hill Right for You?

Here’s the straight talk from someone who’s seen both sides of the bridge.

Pros and Cons of Rock Hill for Project Managers

Pros	Cons
Cost of Living is 3% below the national average, making your $100,368 salary go further.	Salary ceiling is lower than in Charlotte or Greenville. The median of $100,368 is solid, but top earners max out around $140,000 locally.
Stable job market with major employers in manufacturing, healthcare, and government.	Limited high-growth tech scene compared to other South Carolina metros.
No traffic. Commutes are easy, even during rush hour.	Slower-paced career advancement; may need to job-hop to Charlotte for significant promotions.
Family-friendly with good schools (especially in Fort Mill) and outdoor activities.	Nightlife and cultural scene are modest; you’ll often drive to Charlotte for major concerts or sports.
Proximity to Charlotte (25 min) for higher salaries and more opportunities.	Public transportation is nearly non-existent; a car is essential.

Final Recommendation: Rock Hill is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers seeking stability, a balanced lifestyle, and a lower cost of living. It’s ideal for those who value weekends on the Lake Wylie or a short commute over chasing the highest possible salary. If you’re early in your career and hungry for rapid growth in a booming tech hub, you might find Rock Hill limiting. But for a sustainable, long-term career with room to buy a home and build a life, it’s a compelling option.

FAQs

1. Is it worth getting a PMP if most local jobs don’t require it?
Absolutely. While not mandatory, the PMP is a key differentiator in a competitive local market. About 70% of senior PM job postings in the Rock Hill metro list PMP as a preferred or required credential. It’s an investment that pays off in both salary and interview calls.

2. How does the commute to Charlotte work?
It’s very common. I-77 is the main artery, and the drive is 20-30 minutes to Charlotte’s South End or Uptown. Many Rock Hill residents work for Charlotte-based employers (like Bank of America or Atrium Health) remotely or in hybrid roles, accessing Charlotte salaries (often 10-20% higher) while enjoying Rock Hill’s lower rent.

3. What’s the job market like for entry-level Project Managers?
Tough but not impossible. The 151 jobs in the metro are mostly for mid-to-senior levels. For entry-level, look at coordinators roles at 3M, Piedmont Medical, or the City. Consider starting in construction or IT support to build experience. Networking through the PMI chapter is crucial.

4. Are there any local project management conferences?
Smaller, local events are held occasionally by the SC Economic Developers’ Association or York Technical College. For major conferences, professionals typically drive to Charlotte for PMI Global Conference or regional symposiums. The local PMI chapter meetings are your best bet for regular, low-cost networking.

5. Can I live in Rock Hill and work remotely for a company in another state?
Yes, and it’s a growing trend. With Rock Hill’s low cost of living and proximity to Charlotte’s airport, it’s an attractive base for remote workers. Just ensure your home internet is reliable (check for Spectrum or AT&T Fiber availability in your chosen neighborhood). This setup allows you to earn a national salary while paying Rock Hill rent, maximizing your take-home pay.