2026 Salary Guide
Teacher Salaries in South Carolina
South Carolina teachers earn an average of $55,368 per year — 19% below the national average.
South Carolina Teacher Salary Overview
How South Carolina Teacher Salaries Work
South Carolina uses a state salary schedule. Districts add local supplements. Richland 2 (Columbia), Lexington-Richland 5, and Greenville County are among the higher-paying districts. Rural and coastal counties often pay near the state minimum.
Key Factors That Affect Your Salary
- Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
- Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
- District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
- Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.
Additional context:
South Carolina raised its minimum teacher salary to $40,000 in 2022. The state has offered retention bonuses and rural recruitment incentives to address shortages in hard-to-staff areas.
Top Hiring Districts in South Carolina
These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.
5,481 total open positions across South Carolina school districts.
Browse All South Carolina Teaching JobsSee the full picture
South Carolina ranks #30 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?
Ready to Teach in South Carolina?
Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid South Carolina teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.
South Carolina Certification Guide →Ready to apply?
Browse current teaching positions in South Carolina — apply directly on district sites.
Data sources: South Carolina Department of Education / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the South Carolina Department of Education.
Frequently asked questions about teacher salary in South Carolina
- What is the average teacher salary in South Carolina?
- The average public-school teacher salary in South Carolina is approximately $55,368 per year (source: South Carolina Department of Education / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.
- How does South Carolina teacher pay compare to the national average?
- South Carolina teachers earn about 19% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.
- Do South Carolina teachers get paid during the summer?
- Most South Carolina districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.
- What's the highest-paying school district in South Carolina?
- Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across South Carolina.
- Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in South Carolina?
- Yes. Almost every South Carolina district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.