Salaries in Summerville, SC
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
Here’s the thing about Summerville in 2026: it’s got more software developers pulling in six figures than you’d expect for a town of 51,000 people. And they’re doing it while paying less than the national average to live here.
Let’s talk real buying power. With a cost of living index of 100.6—just a hair above the U.S. average—a $57,109 salary doesn’t feel like a stretch. That $1,106 monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment? It’s manageable on that income, especially compared to what you’d pay in a major metro. The city isn’t a steal, but it’s not a rip-off either; it’s a solid middle ground where your paycheck isn’t immediately devoured by housing.
So who’s thriving? The tech sector is quietly booming, likely tied to the Charleston-area’s spillover growth. Software developers here earn a median of $127,489. But it’s not all code—healthcare and skilled trades are the backbone. Registered nurses ($86,224) and electricians ($61,660) are consistently well-paid, supported by the regional medical centers and steady construction. Education, with a 31.7% bachelor’s degree rate, is decent but teacher salaries ($63,784) lag behind the top tiers.
Here’s my honest take: wages are keeping pace with costs for now, but that 3.2% unemployment rate means employers aren’t desperate. They’re competing for talent, but not panicking. This city works best for mid-career professionals in tech or healthcare, or skilled tradespeople looking for a lower-cost base near a major port city.
The numbers below will show you exactly where you stand, role by role.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Summerville
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Summerville
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (101/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is above the US average.
| # | Occupation ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $127,489 |
| 2 | Accountant | $86,234 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $86,224 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,784 |
| 5 | Electrician | $61,660 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $61,590 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $53,185 |
| 8 | Medical Assistant | $50,090 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $50,090 |
| 10 | Welder | $50,090 |
| 11 | Dental Hygienist | $50,090 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $50,090 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $50,090 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $50,090 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $50,090 |
| 16 | Plumber | $50,090 |
| 17 | Construction Manager | $50,090 |
| 18 | Carpenter | $50,090 |
| 19 | Physical Therapist | $50,090 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $50,090 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $50,090 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $50,090 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $50,090 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $50,090 |
| 25 | Firefighter | $50,090 |
| 26 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $50,090 |
| 27 | Marketing Manager | $50,090 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Summerville
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Summerville?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Summerville. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Summerville Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Summerville Worth It?
Here’s my honest take: Summerville isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a solid bet if you’re strategic. With an average salary of $57,109 and a cost of living just slightly above the national average (100.6), you won’t get rich overnight, but your paycheck stretches further than in bigger metros. Rent at $1,106/month is manageable, especially compared to cities like Charleston or Austin.
Tech workers are the clear winners here. Software developers pull in nearly $127K, and even after adjusting for the local cost of living, they’re still taking home $126,729. Healthcare and skilled trades also do well, thanks to steady demand and lower competition than in tech hubs.
If you’re considering moving here for work, my advice? Lock in a remote-friendly tech job or a role with a local employer before you relocate. Summerville’s job market is growing, but it’s still a satellite of Charleston—so having your income squared away first gives you leverage. It’s not a bad place to build a life, but don’t expect the salaries of a major city without the hustle to match.