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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Charleston, SC

How much does a fire protection engineer make in Charleston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Charleston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$82,050
per year in Charleston
Entry Level
$49,754
Starting salary
Senior Level
$112,600
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
118
18% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how fire protection engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Charleston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$49,754$82,050$112,600
Monthly$4,146$6,838$9,383
Biweekly$1,914$3,156$4,331
Weekly$957$1,578$2,165
Hourly$24$39$54

Charleston vs National Average

How Charleston's fire protection engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Charleston Salary
$82,050
COL Index: 118
National Average
$76,780
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$5,270
Higher in Charleston

Cost of Living in Charleston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$58,234
per year
Population
150,227
residents
Rent % of Income
34.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 118 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Charleston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Fire Protection Engineer

Overview

Design fire protection systems and ensure building safety.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection or Civil Engineering

Key Skills

Fire Systems DesignSafety CodesFire ScienceBuilding Systems

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +16% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Fire Protection Engineer Salary

See Fire Protection Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$124,330
+52%
Los Angeles, CA
$124,970
+52%
Chicago, IL
$114,850
+40%
Houston, TX
$127,920
+56%
Phoenix, AZ
$113,680
+39%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Fire Protection Engineer Salary in Charleston, SC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a fire protection engineer in Charleston, SC is $82,050 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 118. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Charleston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level fire protection engineer professionals in Charleston can expect to earn around $49,754 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level fire protection engineers earning approximately $112,600 per year. This represents a 126% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Charleston's cost of living index of 118 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Charleston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $76,780, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a fire protection engineer's salary in Charleston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 24.1% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Fire Protection Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 16% over the next decade. In Charleston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.