Salaries in Mount Pleasant, SC

Here’s something that’ll surprise you about Mount Pleasant: the median household income is nearly $127,000, which is way above the national average, but the place isn’t some sprawling, expensive coastal enclave. It feels more like a well-off suburb that figured out how to keep its soul. The secret? A cost of living index of just 100.6—practically a wash with the U.S. average—means your paycheck doesn’t get eaten alive by rent or groceries.

So what does that buying power actually look like in 2026? A one-bedroom apartment runs you about $1,106 a month. That’s not cheap, but it’s a far cry from the gut-punch prices you’d see in Austin or Nashville. When you stack the median income against that rent, Mount Pleasant offers a solid middle-class life without the financial panic. It’s not a bargain, but it’s certainly not overpriced for what you get: good schools, low crime, and a quick drive to Charleston’s job market.

Who’s actually thriving here? The economy is anchored by a mix of tech, professional services, and healthcare. You’ve got software developers pulling in a hair under $127,500, and accountants and nurses both clearing $86,000. The presence of major employers like the Roper St. Francis healthcare system and a growing tech corridor along I-526 means there’s real demand for skilled labor. Teachers and tradespeople, though? They’re making do on closer to $62,000-$64,000, which is respectable but doesn’t stretch as far.

Here’s my honest take: wages are keeping pace with costs, but just barely. For someone with a bachelor’s degree (about 39% of the population) and a white-collar skill, this city is a sweet spot. If you’re in a service job or just starting out, the math gets tighter. The unemployment rate is a blissful 3.2%, so jobs are there, but the pay gap between the top occupations and the average is stark.

The data below breaks it all down—salaries, cost-of-living adjustments, and who’s really cashing in. Take a look.