What do skilled trades pay in South Carolina in 2026?
Median pay for 28 skilled trades in South Carolina (BLS OEWS May 2025).
In 2026, the highest-paying skilled trades in South Carolina are Elevator Installer (~$90,860) and Power-Line Worker (~$76,870), across 28 trades tracked (BLS OEWS May 2025). Last updated June 2026.
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Which trade is best in South Carolina?
Different trades win on different measures — here's the top on each. Pick the one that matters to you.
Highest median pay
Elevator Installer
$90,860
Most jobs
Construction Laborer
19,620 jobs
Across 28 trades: $40,840–$90,860 (median $50,210).
Trades ranked by pay in South Carolina
| # | Trade | Median |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Elevator Installer | $90,860 |
| 2 | Power-Line Worker | $76,870 |
| 3 | Boilermaker | $74,840 |
| 4 | Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $62,330 |
| 5 | Millwright | $61,700 |
| 6 | Telecom Line Installer | $59,790 |
| 7 | Electrician | $58,740 |
| 8 | HVAC Technician | $56,610 |
| 9 | Plumber | $53,940 |
| 10 | Ironworker | $50,750 |
See all 28
| 11 | Carpenter | $50,670 |
| 12 | Glazier | $50,650 |
| 13 | Solar Installer | $50,490 |
| 14 | Insulation Worker | $50,440 |
| 15 | Welder | $49,980 |
| 16 | Sheet Metal Worker | $49,920 |
| 17 | Floor Layer | $49,860 |
| 18 | Cement Mason | $49,360 |
| 19 | Hazardous Materials Removal Worker | $49,170 |
| 20 | Brickmason | $49,010 |
| 21 | Construction Equipment Operator | $48,940 |
| 22 | Roofer | $45,760 |
| 23 | Drywall Installer | $45,340 |
| 24 | Pipelayer | $45,180 |
| 25 | Tile & Stone Setter | $43,510 |
| 26 | Construction Laborer | $42,940 |
| 27 | Rebar Worker | $41,020 |
| 28 | Painter | $40,840 |
Where is the union premium biggest in South Carolina?
Named locals and the premium over the BLS all-worker median.
We don't have union scale data for South Carolina across our trades yet — these trades are predominantly non-union, or we haven't added IBEW/UA data. Submitting your pay helps build complete data for South Carolina.
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