South Carolina Teacher Salary in 2025

In 2025, teacher salaries in South Carolina are on the rise due to continued investment in public education and legislative support. The average teacher salary is now estimated between $55,910 and $56,800, reflecting incremental gains from 2024. Most teachers in the state earn between $47,500 and $69,300, while highly experienced educators and those with advanced degrees or certifications can exceed $80,000 annually.

Salary Range Breakdown:

Entry-level teachers: $42,500 – $47,500
Mid-career (10–15 years): $50,000 – $60,000
Veteran teachers (20+ years): $62,000 – $75,000+
Specialized roles or districts: Up to $100,000+ (with bonuses and stipends)

⚖️ Salary by Experience and Education Level

South Carolina uses a tiered salary structure based on years of experience and educational qualifications. Below is a general guide to base salary ranges as of the 2024–2025 school year:

Experience	Bachelor’s	Bachelor’s +18	Master’s	Master’s +30	Doctorate
0 Years	$42,500	$44,076	$47,576	$51,076	$54,576
10 Years	$47,671	$49,253	$53,207	$56,370	$62,696
20 Years	$55,146	$56,775	$61,435	$64,694	$73,493
28 Years	$56,589	$58,267	$63,070	$66,427	$75,493

Note: These are state minimums — many districts offer local salary supplements ranging from $3,000 to $17,000 based on funding.

🎓 Factors That Influence Teacher Salaries

Several factors impact how much a teacher in South Carolina earns:

1. Education Level

Teachers with a master’s degree or higher consistently earn more.
Some districts offer additional stipends for advanced coursework or certifications.

2. Years of Experience

Pay increases with experience. As of 2025, teachers can move up to 28 salary steps, up from 23 in previous years.

3. District Location

Wealthier or urban districts (e.g., Charleston, Greenville) often pay more than rural or underfunded areas.

4. Certifications

National Board Certification provides a bonus of $5,000–$7,500 per year.
Additional endorsements (e.g., Special Ed, ESL, Gifted) can also boost earnings.

5. Subject Area

Teachers in high-demand fields (STEM, Special Education, Foreign Languages) may receive signing bonuses or higher salaries.

6. Leadership Roles

Mentors, department heads, and instructional coaches often receive extra compensation ($500–$2,500 per year).

📈 Job Market Trends & Outlook for 2025

South Carolina is actively working to recruit and retain quality educators. Here are a few trends shaping the teaching profession in the state:

Rising Base Pay: The minimum teacher salary rose to $47,000 in 2024 and is projected to reach $50,000 by 2026.
Extended Step Scale: Teachers can now receive pay increases for up to 28 years of service.
Transparency Laws: New legislation requires schools to provide full salary schedule details at time of hire.
Persistent Demand: There’s a consistent need for teachers in rural areas and high-demand subjects.

🌟 Teacher Benefits in South Carolina

In addition to competitive pay, South Carolina teachers receive a wide range of benefits:

Retirement: Access to the South Carolina Retirement System (SCRS)
Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
Paid Parental Leave: Up to 6 weeks for birth or adoption; 2 weeks for non-birthing parents
Loan Forgiveness Programs: Up to $5,000/year for teachers in critical-need subjects or schools
Professional Development Support: Funding and stipends for continuing education and mentorship

📚 Certifications That Boost Salary

Teachers can significantly increase their income through certifications:

National Board Certification – $5,000–$7,500 annual bonus
Gifted & Talented Endorsement – Required for some high-level teaching, with stipend potential
ESOL / Bilingual Endorsement – Often tied to demand-based incentives
Master’s Degree or Beyond – Higher placement on the salary scale

💼 Career Outlook: Is Teaching in South Carolina Worth It in 2025?

Yes — for many educators, South Carolina is becoming a more attractive place to teach. With increases in starting pay, better long-term salary growth, and state-level support through new policies, the teaching profession here is showing signs of strong recovery and future growth.

Pros:

Higher average salary than in previous years
Expanded longevity in pay steps
Strong benefits and job security
Incentives for advanced certifications and rural service

Challenges:

Rural districts may still face funding gaps
Out-of-state competition for top teachers remains strong
Class sizes and workloads vary by district

✅ Final Thoughts

In 2025, South Carolina continues to invest in its teachers. With an average salary nearing $56,000, a supportive legislative environment, and better pay for experience and credentials, the state is taking steps toward making teaching a stable, rewarding, and viable long-term career.

Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced educator considering relocation, South Carolina offers increasing opportunities and competitive compensation — especially in high-demand or rural areas.