Charleston vs Mauldin: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Charleston, SC and Mauldin, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Mauldin, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $101,337▲ | $95,285 |
| Hourly Rate | $48.72▲ | $45.81 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239▲ | $65,237 |
| 25th Percentile | $82,833▲ | $78,734 |
| 75th Percentile | $138,704▲ | $118,787 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $171,638▲ | $145,335 |
| Total Employed | 1,310▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mauldin.
The salary gap between Charleston and Mauldin is $6,052 (6.35%). 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,Mauldin spans $80,098. 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, Mauldin ($104,137 effective) pays 3.75% 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 Mauldin if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,137)
- ✓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 Mauldin over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$74,270 (2019) → $98,740 (2025)
Mauldin, SC
$79,263 (2024) → $92,843 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Mauldin, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Charleston or Mauldin?
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Should I relocate from Charleston to Mauldin as a civil engineer?
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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