Charleston vs Summerville: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Charleston, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,032▲ | $55,199 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.38▲ | $26.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,746▲ | $40,706 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,484▲ | $44,849 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,356 | $70,655▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,725 | $85,558▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,490▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Charleston and Summerville is $3,833 (6.94%). Charleston's median is -9.32% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $40,979,Summerville spans $44,852. Summerville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Summerville ($60,327 effective) pays 3.18% more than Charleston ($58,470 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,032/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,558)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,327)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Charleston grew 17.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.5% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$48,630 (2019) → $57,030 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$46,586 (2024) → $53,327 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Charleston or Summerville?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov