Tooling Engineer Jobs in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina$88,275 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

Tooling Engineer Salary in Charleston

Entry Level
$59,118
Median
$88,275
Senior Level
$123,050

Tooling Engineer 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

Tool DesignCADManufacturing ProcessesProblem SolvingMaterials

Tooling Engineer Job Market in Charleston

Charleston, SC is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Tooling Engineer 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 Tooling Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Tooling Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Tooling Engineers in Charleston

City of CharlestonCharleston County SchoolsCARTA

Major employers hiring Tooling Engineers 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 Tooling Engineers in Charleston

Living in Charleston as a Tooling Engineer 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 Tooling Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 23% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. 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 Tooling Engineer 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 Tooling Engineers in Charleston: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Tooling Engineer 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 Tooling Engineers

The job outlook for Tooling Engineers 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 Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Tooling Engineer salary in Charleston, SC?

The average Tooling Engineer salary in Charleston, SC is $88,275 per year. Entry-level Tooling Engineers typically start around $59,118, while experienced professionals can earn $123,050 or more. The national average for Tooling Engineer roles is $82,500.

How many Tooling Engineer jobs are available in Charleston?

Charleston has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Tooling Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Tooling Engineers 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 Tooling Engineers?

Charleston is an excellent choice for Tooling Engineers. 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 Tooling Engineers in Charleston?

Top skills for Tooling Engineers in Charleston include Tool Design, CAD, Manufacturing Processes, Problem Solving, Materials. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Tooling Engineers 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 Tooling Engineers in Charleston?

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

More Manufacturing Jobs in Charleston

Advertisement

Get Hired Faster

Create an AI-optimized resume tailored for Tooling Engineer jobs in Charleston.

Get Started Free