South Carolina Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in South Carolina for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

South Carolina teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in South Carolina earned $64,050, according to NEA. That ranks 32nd among the 50 states and D.C. and is $10,445 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $60,763, so pay changed by 5.4%.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in South Carolina at $48,426, which ranks 22nd of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

South CarolinaUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$64,050$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$60,763$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$48,426$48,112
Average salary rank32 of 51
Starting salary rank22 of 51

States close to South Carolina in the ranking

Iowa (30th, $65,312), Arizona (31st, $64,291), Texas (33rd, $63,749), Nebraska (34th, $63,326). See all states ranked or compare South Carolina with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in South Carolina?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $64,050 in South Carolina for 2024-25, which ranks 32nd of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.).

What is the starting teacher salary in South Carolina?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $48,426 in South Carolina for 2024-25, ranking 22nd of 51.

How does South Carolina compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. South Carolina is $10,445 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and South Carolina is $314 above.

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