Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Carolina 2024 (Inc Salaries)

South Carolina's community is like no other with its Southern charm, hospitality, and relatively low cost of living. The blend of urban cities like Charleston and Columbia, tourist spots like Myrtle Beach, and rural communities in this state led to unique lifestyles, characters, and job sectors. 

Not only that, but it’s also a great place for professionals because of its diverse economic landscape, comprising key industries, including tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

S.C. was hailed as one of the top 10 States for Business last year for record-breaking economic growth, with 14,038 job openings and a total of $10.27 billion in capital investments. In recent years, several companies in the state have also been part of the global Fortune 500, composed of companies that generate the highest revenues in the U.S.

Are you curious about the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina this March 2024? Look no further! You’ll find everything you need to know below. 

Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Carolina (Inc Salaries) 

1. Anesthesia Providers

Anesthesia providers include Anesthesiologists and Nurse Anesthetists, whose main job is administering anesthesia to patients. 

These two are the top-paid jobs in South Carolina. Anesthesia professionals study and assess patients' health information to identify the proper dosage of anesthesia during surgeries or medical procedures. They also assist in pre-surgical and post-surgical care and monitoring.

Qualifications and Requirements

To become an anesthesiologist, you need a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, complete a residency program in anesthesiology, become a licensed medical doctor, and pursue relevant fellowship training.

A bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) and a registered nurse license are required to become a nurse anesthetist. Then, you need an accredited master's or doctoral degree in nurse anesthesia, pass the National Certification Examination (NCE) to become a  Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), and obtain state licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN).

Job Outlook

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) categorizes anesthesiologists as physicians and surgeons. Employment for them is projected to increase by 3% until 2032. On the other hand, overall employment for nurse anesthetists is projected to grow by 9% within the same period.

Salary Information

On average, anesthesiologists in South Carolina earn about $340,400 yearly, while nurse anesthetists receive a median annual pay of around $249,700.

2. Medical Director

Medical directors oversee medical policies and operations in healthcare organizations, usually a medical clinic, facility, or hospital. 

They plan, direct, evaluate, and supervise medical and healthcare services, ensure the organization's compliance with laws and regulations, develop clinical protocols, and create essential decisions for optimal patient care.

Qualifications and Requirements

To become a medical director in S.C., you must first become a licensed medical doctor with relevant clinical experience and board certifications. Then, you can develop management and leadership skills by holding a supervisory role for several years, staying updated on healthcare regulations, practicing medicine within the legal and ethical guidelines, and participating in professional development programs.

Job Outlook

BLS projects the employment of medical and health services managers, including medical directors, to grow by 28% until 2032. This means there will be about 54,700 job openings in the sector every year.            

Salary Information

In South Carolina, medical directors are paid an average annual salary of $243,400. 

3. Medical Staff Physician

Medical Staff physicians are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and preventing various medical conditions. 

They are part of the medical staff in a medical facility or hospital and have the authority to admit patients. Sometimes, they also conduct research and act as advisors or mentors to residents and medical students.

Qualifications and Requirements

Becoming a medical staff physician in South Carolina requires completing a pre-medical bachelor's degree, attending a medical school to become an M.D. or D.O., completing residency training, and gaining board certifications. 

You must also obtain a state medical license and undergo credentialing in whatever facility you plan to practice.

Job Outlook

BLS projects that physician and surgeon employment will increase by 3% from 2022 to 2032, with an average of about 24,200 job openings each year within the decade.

Salary Information

Medical staff physicians earn an average annual salary of $235,200 in South Carolina. 

4. Psychiatrist

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental conditions and disorders. They apply psychoanalysis therapy, prescribe medications for management, and recommend other interventions to assist patients in managing their symptoms and improving their mental health.

Qualifications and Requirements

To become a psychiatrist in S.C., you must follow a similar track as a medical doctor or physician. However, after earning your medical degree, you must complete a specific residency program in psychiatry. 

Then, you can get board-certified by passing the  American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) exam and obtaining a state medical license to practice psychiatry. You must also maintain your certification and state license by completing the requirements for continuing medical education (CME).

 Job Outlook

BLS projects that employment in the mental health services sector will continue to rise rapidly until 2032. Projected growth rates range from 11% in residential mental health and substance abuse facilities to 21% in offices of mental health practitioners.

Salary Information

Psychiatrists in South Carolina get paid an average of around $232,800 yearly.

5. Owner/Operator

An Owner/Operator is the position given to the chief stakeholder of a business operation. However, in most states, this refers to truck owners/operators who manage, operate, and lease trucks to transport goods. 

Owners and operators are also responsible for strategizing, hiring, and training new employees and ensuring the business's efficiency.

Qualifications and Requirements

There are no specific education or professional background requirements to become an owner/operator; even a high school diploma or any college degree will suffice.

However, having relevant experience and a business-related education, such as a part-time online BBA (bachelor's in business administration) or master's in business administration (MBA) degree, is extremely beneficial. It would be best if you also had good communication and interpersonal skills and experience in human resources.

Job Outlook

Classified under Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers, truck owner-operators in the U.S. are projected to grow by 4% until 2032. This means that there will be an average of about 241,200 job openings for the position each year.

Salary Information

In South Carolina, owner/operators earn an average annual salary of about $219,000, with an estimated additional pay of around $77,800 per year.

6. Oral health professionals

Oral health professionals, including dentists and orthodontists, are trained professionals who specialize in dental or oral health diseases and conditions. 

They offer preventative care, dental procedures like fillings, extractions, and cleanings, and educate patients regarding proper oral hygiene practices.           

Qualifications and Requirements

To qualify for an oral health professional position, you need at least a bachelor's degree and a  Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. Then, you need to pass the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) to obtain a dental license from the South Carolina Board of Dentistry. For aspiring orthodontists, an additional residency program in an accredited institution and a board certification in orthodontics are also required.

Job Outlook

According to the BLS website, dentists' and orthodontists' employment is projected to increase by 4% from 2022 until 2032. This means that there will be about 142,700 job openings for dentists and 7,500 job openings for orthodontists in 2032. 

Salary Information

Dentists and Orthodontists are also among the highest-paid jobs in S.C., according to Indeed.com. In South Carolina, Dentists earn an average yearly salary of $199,500, while orthodontists are paid a median salary of around $182,200. 

7. Family Medicine Physician

Family medicine physicians are medical specialists responsible for providing holistic treatment plans and ensuring the overall health of patients of all ages with various medical conditions. 

These doctors diagnose, treat, and help manage acute and chronic diseases. They regularly monitor their patients' health, consider referring patients to specialists if necessary, and maintain relationships with patients and their families. 

Qualifications and Requirements

Like other physician tracks, becoming a family medicine physician requires a pre-medical bachelor's degree, a medical degree, residency training, board certification, and state licensure. 

For the residency program, you'll need to focus on family medicine with training in preventative medicine, acute and chronic illness management, primary care, and patient-centered care. 

Job Outlook

The Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Beaufort, South Carolina area is one of the top-paying metropolitan areas for family medicine physicians, with a location quotient of 0.63 and 0.47 employment per a thousand jobs. 

In the next 8 years, the BLS projects a 4% growth in family medicine physician employment in the U.S., with an expected 112,000 job openings by 2032.

Salary Information

A family medicine physician in S.C. receives an average annual pay of around $189,000, with an additional pay of about $60,900 per year.

8. Senior Product Director

The role of Senior Product Directors is to oversee a company's products' performance, development, and strategic business growth. They also lead the Product Management team, define their long-term and short-term goals, conduct market research, stay updated with industry trends, and drive product innovations. 

Qualifications and Requirements

To become a senior product director in South Carolina, you usually need at least a bachelor's degree in business administration, marketing, computer science, and the like. An MBA or a master's degree in a relevant field is also advantageous. 

To acquire the needed skills and background, you also need significant experience in marketing, product management, and product development or similar jobs, preferably at least a few years in a leadership position. Some key skills include industry knowledge, analytical abilities, and communication skills.

Job Outlook

Senior product directors are categorized under Advertising, Promotions, and Marketing Managers. The BLS projects the employment for this sector to increase by 6% from 2022 to 2032. 

This is faster than the average for all jobs and means there will be about 34,000 job openings annually until 2032. 

Salary Information

Senior product directors in South Carolina earn an average annual income of about $184,500 with an estimated additional pay of $107,800 per year in the form of commissions, tips, bonuses, and profit shares.

9. President/Chief Executive Officer

 A President/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) position is an organization or company's top managerial and leadership post. CEOs represent the company in stakeholder meetings, lead business operations, direct strategic plans, approve budget management, and ensure the success and profitability of the business. 

Qualifications and Requirements

Becoming a President/CEO in S.C. requires field expertise and a strong experience background in a company's or organization's specific industry. Individuals who become Presidents/CEOs often inherit positions or start in entry-level roles and continuously progress higher. 

Most companies hire bachelor's degree holders in the relevant field, and obtaining certifications and advanced degrees is also ideal. 

If you live in South Carolina and want to land and excel in this position, getting a degree in business administration, finance, or management will be beneficial. If you already work as an employee, consider pursuing an online MBA program.  

Job Outlook

BLS projects the overall employment of top executives, including President/CEOs, to grow 3% until 2032, meaning there will be about 311,600 job openings for such positions per year. 

Salary Information

President/Chief Executive Officers in South Carolina receive an average annual salary of $150,600, with an additional pay amounting to about $113,500 per year.       

10. Director of Industrial Engineering

A director of industrial engineering's duty is to ensure that manufacturing and production processes are efficient and cost-effective while the products are of the optimum quality. They supervise production method analysis, check the maintenance of industrial machines, identify points for improvement, and develop plans and goals for a manufacturing plant, laboratory, or other industrial settings. 

Industrial engineering directors also work with specialists, engineers, technicians, and workers to meet excellent operational standards. 

Qualifications and Requirements

To become a director of Industrial Engineering in South Carolina, you'll need a bachelor's degree, preferably as an industrial engineer, mechanical engineer, manufacturing engineer, or operations manager. 

Then, you must gain relevant licensure, accreditation, and certifications. You may also seek connections and training opportunities for career growth and progression.

Several years of work experience as an engineer or production manager in the industry is also a huge advantage. 

Job Outlook

According to BLS data, the employment of industrial production managers is projected to grow by 2%, while the employment of industrial engineers will increase by 12% by 2032. Depending on their educational background and industry, a Director of Industrial Engineering can belong to either of these job categories.

Salary Information

 In the State of South Carolina, Directors of Industrial Engineering are paid an average yearly income of about $153,200.

Among these highest paid jobs in South Carolina mentioned, five are included in the highest paying jobs in USA: Chief Executive Officers, Physicians, Psychiatrists, Orthodontists, and Nurse anesthetists.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina are from various industries, offering excellent opportunities for job seekers. While some jobs require high levels of expertise and education, there are also rewarding positions for people of all backgrounds, as long as you have the right skills.

For both professional and business services, the best career advice is to obtain a BBA or MBA degree, which can considerably boost your chances of landing a lucrative and higher-paying S.C. job.

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FAQs

What is the highest-paying job within South Carolina State in 2024?

Anesthesia professionals like anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists are 2024’s highest-paying jobs in South Carolina. Anesthesiologists have a total annual payroll range of $355,000 - $638,000, while nurse anesthetists earn salaries ranging from $255,000 to $477,000 in a year. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which South Carolina jobs are projected to have the highest level of growth?

The BLS projects that Medical and Health Services Managers, including medical directors, will have the biggest employment growth at 28% from 2022 to 2032.

What is the best career path in South Carolina in 2024?

Considering the educational requirements, job outlook, and average annual salary, the best high-paying career path in S.C. this year is a medical director path. But since obtaining this role is a long journey, a physician or healthcare-related job is your next best bet as these jobs also pay well. 

What skills or expertise is required for high-paying South Carolina jobs?

High-paying jobs in South Carolina require the following skills or expertise:

• specific technical expertise and industry knowledge,

• leadership and management skills,

• analytical and problem-solving skills,

• communication and interpersonal skills,

• project management,

• willingness to learn, and

• adaptability. 

If you’re interested in exploring the right skill level required to get the highest paying jobs in South Carolina in 2024, Download Our Free Report here! 

What qualifications are required for high paying South Carolina jobs?

High-paying jobs in South Carolina require the following qualifications:

• at least a bachelor’s degree in a related field;

• a master’s degree or advanced degree in the specific field;

• relevant work experience;

• state licensure;

• relevant training, board certifications, and accreditations; and

• continuing education. 

Why is it beneficial to gain a BBA/MBA degree to gain a high-paying job in South Carolina?

An online BBA or MBA degree will be useful in understanding and analyzing the business side of any industry, especially for managerial or supervisory positions. 

The success and efficiency of all daily operations and the quality of products or services will depend on the thoughtful and strategic allocation and management of resources, which you will learn through these programs. This gives you a significant competitive advantage to progress in your career faster.