Greenville vs Hilton Head Island: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Greenville, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $130,844▲ | $112,804 |
| Hourly Rate | $62.90▲ | $54.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,855▲ | $64,495 |
| 25th Percentile | $98,648▲ | $83,331 |
| 75th Percentile | $217,232▲ | $176,838 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $357,906▲ | $230,330 |
| Total Employed | 1,290▲ | 370 |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hilton Head Island.
The salary gap between Greenville and Hilton Head Island is $18,040 (15.99%). Greenville's median is -21.73% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $284,051,Hilton Head Island spans $165,835. Greenville 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, Greenville ($140,300 effective) pays 21.91% more than Hilton Head Island ($115,086 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($130,844/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($357,906)
- ✓Larger job market (1,290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,300)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Greenville grew 19.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.4% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$104,640 (2019) → $124,970 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$88,030 (2019) → $107,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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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