Teacher salaries in South Carolina have steadily increased in recent years, driven by state-level education reforms and efforts to combat the statewide teacher shortage. The minimum starting salary for new teachers begins at $42,500, with more experienced educators earning $60,000 to $75,000 or more, depending on district, qualifications, and years of service.
According to Salary.com, the average public school teacher salary in South Carolina is $54,287. However, actual salaries vary based on location, subject area, degree level, and certification. Teachers in high-need districts or with advanced credentials can expect to earn above the statewide average.
In this guide, we’ll explore what determines teacher pay in South Carolina, recent legislative changes, salary averages by role, and what aspiring educators can expect when entering the profession in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina Teacher Salary Snapshot (2025)
| Category | Salary Range / Average |
|---|---|
| Minimum Salary (State Mandated) | $42,500 (starting base) |
| Average Public School Teacher Salary | $54,287 |
| 10% Lowest Earners | ~$42,000 |
| 10% Highest Earners | ~$70,000+ |
| Private School Teacher (Average) | ~$40,890 |
| Elementary School Teacher (Average) | $57,900 |
| Special Education Teacher (Average) | $60,280 |
| Substitute Teacher (Average) | $31,219 |
| Teacher w/ Advanced Degree (Est.) | $65,000–$75,000+ |
| Teacher w/ 0 Years’ Experience | $42,500 |
| Teacher w/ 10 Years’ Experience | $52,000–$60,000 |
| Teacher w/ 20+ Years of Experience | $65,000–$75,000+ |
Note: Salaries differ across districts, collective bargaining agreements, and based on additional duties or certifications.
South Carolina Legislation and Teacher Pay
In 2023, South Carolina raised the minimum starting teacher salary to $42,500 — part of an ongoing effort to improve educator retention and attract new talent. This increase follows several years of incremental boosts to the statewide pay floor.
Lawmakers have also invested in additional teacher recruitment and retention measures, such as sign-on bonuses, rural teaching stipends, and salary step adjustments to ensure that veteran educators are not left behind as entry-level salaries rise.
Some school districts also offer annual stipends for teachers in high-need areas like special education, math, and science, as well as bonuses for advanced degrees and National Board Certification.
Salary Expectations for Teachers in South Carolina
While the statewide average salary is $54,287, pay can vary greatly depending on the school district, funding levels, and cost of living. Teachers in metro areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville tend to earn more than their rural counterparts.
- Lowest 10%: ~$42,000
- Highest 10%: ~$70,000+
- Most teachers: $45,000–$65,000 depending on district and experience
Factors Impacting Teacher Salaries in South Carolina
Location
Districts in urban areas like Charleston County, Richland Two, and Greenville County generally offer higher salaries than rural or underserved areas. Cost of living, local funding, and tax revenues play a significant role in pay discrepancies across the state.
Degree Level
Teachers with advanced degrees — such as a master’s or doctorate — usually qualify for salary supplements of $5,000 to $10,000 or more per year. Many districts offer “lane” increases on the salary schedule for each level of academic attainment.
Years of Experience
South Carolina uses a step-based salary schedule, where pay increases with experience. A new teacher starts at $42,500, and with 10–20 years of service, that can rise to $60,000 or more.
Subject Area
Teachers in STEM, Special Education, and Bilingual Education are often eligible for annual stipends or bonuses. Some districts may offer up to $5,000 extra per year to fill hard-to-staff roles.
Certifications
Additional certifications — such as ESOL, Gifted and Talented, Reading Coach, or National Board Certification — can lead to increased pay. South Carolina teachers with NBPTS certification may receive annual bonuses of up to $5,000.
Public vs. Private Schools
Public school teachers in South Carolina earn significantly more on average than those in private schools. While public educators average $54,287, private school teachers typically earn around $40,890.
Some private schools offer non-monetary perks such as smaller class sizes, flexible schedules, or housing stipends — but public schools generally provide stronger salary growth, benefits, and retirement packages.
Additional Skills That Boost Teacher Salaries in South Carolina
Multilingual Fluency
With a growing number of multilingual families in South Carolina, bilingual teachers — particularly those fluent in Spanish or Vietnamese — are highly valued. Many districts offer language stipends or priority placement for these educators.
Technology Integration Skills
Districts continue to emphasize digital learning. Teachers with skills in Google Classroom, Canvas, coding, or instructional technology may be eligible for leadership roles, stipends, or additional training pay.
How Much Do Substitute Teachers Make in South Carolina?
According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for substitute teachers in South Carolina is approximately $31,219, which translates to about $15 per hour. However, actual pay varies considerably by district and depends on whether the substitute holds a teaching certificate, the length of the assignment, and whether the assignment is short-term or long-term.
In general, short-term substitutes — those filling in for a day or two — earn between $80 to $120 per day, while certified long-term substitutes can earn $120 to $170 per day, especially when covering core academic subjects or stepping into a classroom for multiple weeks.
Districts such as Charleston County and Greenville County may offer higher pay rates to attract a steady pool of substitutes. Some rural or high-need areas may also offer bonuses or stipends to encourage consistent substitute coverage throughout the school year.
- Lowest 10%: ~$25,000/year
- Highest 10%: ~$40,000/year
Additionally, school districts may provide training, professional development, or fast-track programs to help substitutes transition into full-time certified teaching roles.
How Much Do Elementary Teachers Make in South Carolina?
Elementary school teachers in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $57,900, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This figure reflects full-time kindergarten through 5th grade educators working in public schools across the state.
Entry-level elementary teachers typically start at around $45,000, while those with 10–15 years of experience may earn $55,000–$65,000, especially if they hold a master’s degree or relevant endorsements. Educators with 20+ years in the classroom, particularly in higher-paying districts like Charleston or Greenville, can earn $75,000 to $80,000+ annually.
- Salary Range: ~$45,000 – $80,000+
- Top Earners: Often exceed $80,000 in metro districts with advanced credentials
Districts may also offer additional stipends for teachers with reading specialist credentials, ESOL endorsements, or those taking on mentor teacher or grade-level lead responsibilities.
How Much Do Teachers Make per Hour in South Carolina?
On average, South Carolina teachers earn $33 to $35 per hour, based on a 10-month school calendar and a typical 40-hour workweek. This hourly rate is calculated using the average annual salary and reflects compensation for classroom instruction, lesson planning, grading, parent communication, and staff meetings.
However, many teachers work beyond their contracted hours — particularly those involved in extracurricular activities, curriculum development, or after-school tutoring — which can influence the perceived hourly wage. Teachers in leadership roles or with stipends for coaching or student clubs may effectively earn more per hour than their base salary reflects.
Hourly wages may also increase for teachers working in summer school, intervention programs, or specialized grant-funded initiatives offered through the district.
How Much Do Special Education Teachers Make in South Carolina?
Special education teachers in South Carolina earn an average annual salary of $60,280, with pay dependent on district, credentials, and years of experience. Due to the intensive nature of their work — including managing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), collaborating with support staff, and providing individualized instruction — special education teachers often receive additional stipends or bonuses.
Entry-level special educators may begin around $48,000–$52,000, while veteran teachers with advanced degrees and specialized certifications (e.g., autism or behavioral intervention) can earn $65,000–$75,000+. Some districts also provide bonuses for National Board Certification or service in self-contained classrooms with higher student needs.
- Average Salary: $60,280
- Additional Stipends: Typically $2,000–$4,000+, depending on the district
With ongoing demand across all regions of the state, many school districts prioritize recruitment and retention of special education teachers by offering strong support teams, professional development, and mentorship programs.
Highest Paying Cities for Teachers in South Carolina
| City | Avg. Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Charleston | $35.70 |
| Columbia | $34.90 |
| Greenville | $34.60 |
| Rock Hill | $33.80 |
| Myrtle Beach | $33.25 |
Urban areas like Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville offer some of the highest teacher salaries in the state, reflecting both the higher cost of living and larger district funding allocations. These cities also tend to have more advanced degree holders and teachers in specialized roles, which raises the average pay.
Rural areas, such as those in the Pee Dee or Midlands regions, may offer lower base salaries but often include housing stipends, relocation assistance, or signing bonuses to offset those differences and attract talent.
The cost of living, student enrollment numbers, and district-level funding all contribute to local salary structures, making it important for educators to evaluate total compensation and benefits when comparing job offers across the state.
Other Benefits for Teachers in South Carolina
In addition to base salary, teachers in South Carolina enjoy a variety of professional and personal benefits designed to support long-term career satisfaction and retention.
Continuing Education and Professional Development
The state offers a wide range of professional development opportunities — including state-funded workshops, online training platforms, and in-service days — to help teachers meet licensure renewal requirements and improve instructional practice.
Flexible Schedule
Educators benefit from summers off, paid school holidays, and scheduled breaks throughout the academic year. This built-in flexibility is a major draw for those seeking work-life balance.
Advancement Opportunities
Teachers can pursue roles such as mentor teacher, instructional coach, department chair, or even administrator. Many districts provide support for graduate programs in educational leadership to help teachers advance their careers.
Paid Leave
Most teachers receive 10–12 days of paid sick and personal leave annually. In addition, teachers are typically eligible for paid jury duty and maternity/paternity leave, depending on district policies.
Retirement Plans
Teachers in South Carolina participate in the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS), a defined benefit pension plan that provides guaranteed retirement income based on years of service and salary.
Tuition Reimbursement
Select school districts offer tuition reimbursement for teachers pursuing advanced degrees, certification programs, or additional endorsements in high-need subjects like special education or ESL.
Relocation Assistance
To address teacher shortages in rural or underserved districts, some areas offer relocation bonuses of $3,000 to $5,000, particularly for teachers willing to commit to multiple years of service.
Salary Prediction for South Carolina Teachers (2024–2025)
If you’re planning to enter the teaching profession in South Carolina, you can expect a starting salary between $42,500 and $52,000, depending on the district and your qualifications. Teachers with in-demand certifications — such as ESOL, special education, or National Board Certification — may receive higher base pay or stipends early in their careers.
Veteran educators with 15–20+ years of service, especially those in urban districts with advanced degrees, can reach $65,000–$75,000 or more in annual compensation. With continued investment in public education at the state level, teacher salaries are expected to grow steadily in the coming years.
High-need areas such as mathematics, science, bilingual education, and exceptional education will likely see the most aggressive salary increases and hiring efforts.
How to Become a Teacher in South Carolina
If you’re interested in becoming a licensed educator in South Carolina, here are the general steps you’ll need to follow:
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
All teachers must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Your degree can be in education or a relevant content area.
2. Complete a State-Approved Teacher Preparation Program
You must complete a South Carolina–approved educator preparation program, which includes coursework in pedagogy, classroom management, and a supervised student teaching experience.
3. Pass Required Certification Exams
South Carolina requires passing scores on Praxis Subject Assessments relevant to your teaching area, as well as the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exam for your grade level.
4. Apply for Licensure and Teaching Jobs
Once certified, apply for teaching positions through local district job boards or the South Carolina Educator Portal. Be prepared to submit transcripts, exam scores, letters of recommendation, and proof of certification.
Ready to Teach in South Carolina?
With rising salaries, strong benefits, and a statewide demand for qualified educators, South Carolina offers a rewarding career path for teachers at every stage. Whether you’re just entering the profession or making a mid-career switch, the Palmetto State provides the resources and support you need to succeed in the classroom and beyond.
