Charleston vs Tega Cay: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Charleston, SC and Tega Cay, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Tega Cay, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $114,046▲ | $97,176 |
| Hourly Rate | $54.83▲ | $46.72 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,297▲ | $66,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $85,978▲ | $77,434 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,353▲ | $119,363 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $168,379▲ | $138,382 |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tega Cay.
The salary gap between Charleston and Tega Cay is $16,870 (17.36%). Charleston's median is -8.79% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $90,082,Tega Cay spans $71,437. Charleston 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, Charleston ($112,959 effective) pays 6.36% more than Tega Cay ($106,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($114,046/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($168,379)
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,959)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Tega Cay if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Charleston grew 15.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Tega Cay over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$95,220 (2019) → $110,030 (2025)
Tega Cay, SC
$86,105 (2024) → $93,754 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Tega Cay, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Charleston or Tega Cay?
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov