Salaries in Sumter, SC

You might not expect a small South Carolina city to be a hotspot for marketing managers, but in Sumter, they’re the top earners. It’s a quiet fact that flips the script on who wins big in this town. With a cost of living index of 86.2—well below the national average of 100—your salary stretches further here than almost anywhere else in the country. That median household income of $53,071 doesn’t look like much on paper, but in practice, it buys a different kind of stability.

Let’s talk real purchasing power. That $933 a month for a one-bedroom apartment is a steal compared to national averages, but it’s the overall COL adjustment that matters. A software developer’s $121,991 salary isn’t just a number; it feels like $141,521 in terms of what it can actually buy. The same goes for the pharmacist’s $130,398, which has the purchasing power of over $151,000 elsewhere. It’s not that you’re getting rich, but you’re not fighting for scraps either.

Industries here are a mix of the old and new. Shaw Air Force Base is a massive employer, anchoring the local economy with thousands of jobs. You also have a strong manufacturing and healthcare sector, which explains why pharmacists and project managers do so well. The city’s 3.2% unemployment rate is low, but with only 28.6% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, there’s a clear gap for skilled professionals to fill—and command a premium.

Here’s the honest catch: while wages are decent for the cost, they aren’t exploding. The city is affordable, but it’s not a place for rapid career acceleration unless you’re in one of those top-tier roles. This city works wonderfully for remote workers who can bring in a coastal salary while paying Sumter prices, or for locals who value community over constant hustle.

The data below breaks down exactly where the money is, who’s earning it, and what your life could look like on a Sumter salary.