Charleston vs Greenville: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Charleston, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,805▲ | $52,172 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.28▲ | $25.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,085▲ | $37,615 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,112▲ | $47,867 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,412▲ | $65,274 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,767 | $81,903▲ |
| Total Employed | 960 | 960 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Charleston and Greenville is $6,633 (12.71%). Charleston's median is -10.10% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $36,682,Greenville spans $44,288. Greenville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Charleston ($58,245 effective) pays 4.12% more than Greenville ($55,943 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 ($58,805/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,245)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,903)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Charleston grew 18.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.4% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$48,470 (2019) → $57,360 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$47,810 (2019) → $50,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Charleston or Greenville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Greenville?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Greenville as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Charleston vs Greenville?
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% 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 Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov