Manufacturing Technician Jobs in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina$48,150 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Manufacturing Technician Salary in Charleston

Entry Level
$31,833
Median
$48,150
Senior Level
$67,678

Manufacturing Technician salaries in Charleston are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

Equipment OperationQuality ControlTroubleshootingSafetyDocumentation

Manufacturing Technician Job Market in Charleston

Charleston, SC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Manufacturing Technician professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Charleston offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Manufacturing Technician roles across various sectors. The market for Manufacturing Technician positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston

City of CharlestonCharleston County SchoolsCARTA

Major employers hiring Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston include City of Charleston, Charleston County Schools, CARTA. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston

Living in Charleston as a Manufacturing Technician means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. At median Manufacturing Technician salary, rent would consume about 42% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,300/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

107
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.7K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Manufacturing Technician in Charleston

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Manufacturing Technician professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in South Carolina

South Carolina has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for Manufacturing Technicians

The job outlook for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Charleston offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Equipment Operation, Quality Control, Troubleshooting, Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Manufacturing Technician salary in Charleston, SC?

The average Manufacturing Technician salary in Charleston, SC is $48,150 per year. Entry-level Manufacturing Technicians typically start around $31,833, while experienced professionals can earn $67,678 or more. The national average for Manufacturing Technician roles is $45,000.

How many Manufacturing Technician jobs are available in Charleston?

Charleston has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Manufacturing Technician professionals. Major employers hiring Manufacturing Technicians include City of Charleston, Charleston County Schools, CARTA. The Technology and Tourism sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Charleston a good city for Manufacturing Technicians?

Charleston is an excellent choice for Manufacturing Technicians. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston?

Top skills for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston include Equipment Operation, Quality Control, Troubleshooting, Safety, Documentation. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston?

Charleston's cost of living is near the national average (107% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,700/month. Purchasing power in Charleston is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Manufacturing Technicians in Charleston?

Charleston Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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