Research and Development Engineer Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Research and Development Engineer make in South Carolina?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research and Development Engineer in South Carolina is $109,532 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

However, a Research and Development Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $127,318
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $101,190 to $118,842
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $93,596
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View as table View as graph 25% $101,190 10% $93,596 90% $127,318 75% $118,842 $109,532 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Research and Development Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $118,842 $9,903 $2,285 $57
Average $109,532 $9,128 $2,106 $53
25th Percentile $101,190 $8,433 $1,946 $49
Check out Research and Development Engineer Job Openings in South Carolina
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Randstad - Greer, SC

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Inside Higher Ed - Columbia, SC

Development Engineer

Akumin® - Columbia, SC

Manufacturing Engineer Battery Research

Integer Technologies - Columbia, SC

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Key Factors That Influence Research and Development Engineer Salaries

A Research and Development Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Research and Development Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Research and Development Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $106,793
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $107,042
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $108,038
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $112,311
  • Expert (over 8 years): $114,395
Levels Salary
Entry Level Research and Development Engineer$106,793
Intermediate Level Research and Development Engineer$107,042
Senior Level Research and Development Engineer$108,038
Specialist Level Research and Development Engineer$112,311
Expert Level Research and Development Engineer$114,395
$106,793 0 yr
$107,042 < 2 yrs
$108,038 2-4 yrs
$112,311 5-8 yrs
$114,395 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Research and Development Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Spartanburg: $109,134
  • Boiling Springs: $109,134
  • Arcadia: $109,134

Research and Development Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Research and Development Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$101,190
Average $109,532/year
$118,842
$8,433
Average $9,128/month
$9,903
$1,946
Average $2,106/week
$2,285
$49
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $118,842 $9,903 $2,285 $57
Average $109,532 $9,128 $2,106 $53
25th Percentile $101,190 $8,433 $1,946 $49

Research and Development Engineer Salary Growth & Career Path

Research and Development Engineer
Human Factors Researcher IV
Research and Development Associate IV
Human Factors Researcher V
SVP of Research & Development

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Research and Development Engineer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Research and Development Engineer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Human Factors Researcher IV $126,147 15%
Research and Development Associate IV $123,106 12%

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Cost of Living In South Carolina

Cost of Living in South Carolina is
-6.3% Lower
than the National Average

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