Charleston vs Goose Creek: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charleston, SC and Goose Creek, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Goose Creek, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,337▲ | $92,949 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.72▲ | $44.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239▲ | $67,488 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,833▲ | $73,986 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,704▲ | $118,495 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,638▲ | $144,071 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Goose Creek.
The salary gap between Charleston and Goose Creek is $8,388 (9.02%). 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,Goose Creek spans $76,583. 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, Goose Creek ($101,584 effective) pays 1.21% more than Charleston ($100,371 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)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Goose Creek if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $101,584)
- ✓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 17.1% growth in Goose Creek over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$74,270 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
Goose Creek, SC
$77,320 (2024) → $90,567 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Goose Creek, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charleston or Goose Creek?
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Should I relocate from Charleston to Goose Creek as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Charleston vs Goose Creek?
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