Charleston vs Florence: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Charleston, SC and Florence, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Florence, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $133,262▲ | $101,339 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.07▲ | $48.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,530▲ | $57,281 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,168▲ | $69,594 |
| 75th Percentile | $183,633▲ | $179,948 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $285,821▲ | $238,015 |
| Total Employed | 1,590▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Florence.
The salary gap between Charleston and Florence is $31,923 (31.50%). Charleston's median is -20.29% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $206,291,Florence spans $180,734. 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 ($131,992 effective) pays 13.02% more than Florence ($116,785 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 ($133,262/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($285,821)
- ✓Larger job market (1,590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,992)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Charleston grew 79.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Florence over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$71,010 (2019) → $127,280 (2025)
Florence, SC
$75,140 (2019) → $96,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Florence, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Charleston or Florence?
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% 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 Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov