Charleston vs Conway: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charleston, SC and Conway, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Conway, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,337▲ | $90,815 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.72▲ | $43.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239▲ | $66,745 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,833▲ | $74,538 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,704▲ | $113,217 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,638▲ | $137,088 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Conway.
The salary gap between Charleston and Conway is $10,522 (11.59%). Charleston's median is -2.08% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $103,399,Conway spans $70,343. Charleston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($100,371 effective) pays 1.13% more than Conway ($99,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,337/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,638)
- ✓Larger job market (1,310 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,371)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Conway if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Charleston grew 32.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 19.1% growth in Conway over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$74,270 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
Conway, SC
$74,293 (2024) → $88,488 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Conway, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charleston or Conway?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Conway?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Conway as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Charleston vs Conway?
Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov