H-1B Visa Jobs in Charleston, SC
Charleston, SC has 707 certified H-1B filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. The median H-1B salary in Charleston, SC is $81,349, which is 38% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. The largest H-1B sponsor in Charleston, SC is MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES.
FY 2026 Q1: 14 certified LCAs in Charleston, SC
Certifications dated Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025 — the first full quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025.
Employers filed 14 certified H-1B LCAs for Charleston, SC in FY 2026 Q1 — the first quarter after the $100K H-1B fee took effect on September 21, 2025. The 6-year Q1 baseline (FY 2020–2025) averages 15 certified filings per Q1 for this market, so FY 2026 Q1 came in 7% below historical norms.
Compared to FY 2025 Q1 specifically (16 certified), FY 2026 Q1 for Charleston, SC is down 12%. The 6-year Q1 range for this market runs from 9 (low) to 20 (peak in FY 2020).
These counts reflect DOL LCA certifications with decision_date in Oct–Dec for each fiscal year. LCAs do not distinguish fee-exposed new-hire petitions from extensions, transfers, and change-of-status petitions that are exempt from the $100K fee, so a soft FY 2026 Q1 number does not necessarily mean fewer H-1B workers are in Charleston, SC.
Salary Analysis for Charleston, SC
Salary Percentiles
- 10th percentile: $58,386
- 25th percentile: $67,500
- Median: $81,349
- 75th percentile: $123,074
- 90th percentile: $222,000
Wage Level Distribution
- Level I (Entry): 119 (18%)
- Level II (Qualified): 384 (59%)
- Level III (Experienced): 93 (14%)
- Level IV (Expert): 50 (8%)
Market Insights
- Top employer: MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES
- Market share: 32%
- Salary range: $32,000 - $700,000
Salary Visualizations
Salary Distribution in Charleston, SC
Distribution of H-1B salaries across all employers
Wage Level Distribution
H-1B positions by DOL wage level
Top H-1B Employers in Charleston, SC
| Rank | Employer | H-1B Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES | 225 | $108,534 |
| 2 | NAGARRO | 85 | $77,834 |
| 3 | COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON | 50 | $70,000 |
| 4 | MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA & AFFILIATES | 40 | $68,838 |
| 5 | THE CITADEL | 23 | $69,267 |
| 6 | MEDICAL UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL AUTHORITY | 15 | $68,078 |
| 7 | AMAZON | 14 | $155,200 |
| 8 | CUMMINS | 11 | $74,942 |
| 9 | CLEMSON UNIVERSITY | 10 | $85,000 |
| 10 | GREYSTAR MANAGEMENT SERVICES | 9 | $76,336 |
| 11 | EDISTO TECHNOLOGIES & CONSULTING | 8 | $82,400 |
| 12 | CHARLESTON DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY | 7 | $53,854 |
| 13 | MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SC AND AFFILIATES | 7 | $200,000 |
| 14 | ROBERT BOSCH | 7 | $114,597 |
| 15 | BLACKBAUD | 6 | $140,000 |
H-1B Salary by Job Title in Charleston, SC
| Job Title | Filings | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | 169 | $133,697 |
| Staff Research Scientist | 55 | $63,149 |
Key Insights
The median H-1B salary in Charleston, SC is $81,349, based on 707 certified Labor Condition Applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 38% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541.
Salaries span a $163,614 range from the 10th percentile ($58,386) to the 90th percentile ($222,000). The middle 50% of H-1B workers in Charleston, SC earn between $67,500 and $123,074. DOL wage-level breakdown: most filings are classified as Level II (qualified), with 82% at Level II or above.
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Charleston, SC, with 225 certified filings (32% of the local H-1B market) at a median salary of $108,534. Among the top sponsors, MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SC AND AFFILIATES pays the highest median at $200,000. The pay spread across top employers is 271%.
The most common H-1B roles filed from Charleston, SC are Assistant Professor, Staff Research Scientist. Per-role salary data is available on the intersection pages linked above.
Frequently Asked Questions about H-1B Jobs in Charleston, SC
What is the average H-1B salary in Charleston, SC?
The median H-1B salary in Charleston, SC is $81,349, based on 707 certified filings from FY 2020 to FY 2026. This is 38% lower than the national H-1B median salary of $130,541. H-1B salaries in Charleston, SC reflect the local cost of living, industry mix, and prevailing wage requirements set by the Department of Labor. The DOL determines minimum wage levels for each occupation and geographic area, ensuring H-1B workers are paid competitively with local labor markets. These salary figures represent base compensation in LCA filings and typically don't include bonuses, stock options, or other benefits.
- 10th percentile
- $58,386
- 25th percentile
- $67,500
- Median
- $81,349
- 75th percentile
- $123,074
- 90th percentile
- $222,000
H-1B salaries in Charleston, SC range from $58,386 at the 10th percentile to $222,000 at the 90th percentile, showing a $163,614 spread. The 25th percentile is $67,500 and the 75th percentile is $123,074.
Which companies sponsor H-1B visas in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC has 15+ employers actively sponsoring H-1B visas, ranging from large technology companies to consulting firms, healthcare organizations, and financial institutions. H-1B sponsorship patterns in Charleston, SC reflect the local economy and industry presence. Major employers sponsor multiple positions across various job functions, while smaller companies may sponsor selectively for specialized roles. When evaluating potential sponsors, consider their sponsorship volume, salary offerings, approval rates, and career growth opportunities.
Top H-1B sponsors in Charleston, SC:
MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND AFFILIATES is the largest H-1B sponsor in Charleston, SC with 225 filings at a median salary of $108,534. NAGARRO follows with 85 filings.
How many H-1B jobs are in Charleston, SC?
Charleston, SC has 707 certified H-1B labor condition applications from FY 2020 to FY 2026 across 15+ employers. These LCA filings represent H-1B positions that employers intend to fill, though actual hiring depends on visa lottery selection and USCIS approval. The volume of H-1B activity in Charleston, SC indicates strong demand for skilled international workers. Job opportunities span various industries and experience levels, with most positions requiring specialty occupations that need at least a bachelor's degree in a specific field.
The most common H-1B job titles in Charleston, SC include .
How does Charleston, SC compare to other cities for H-1B jobs?
Charleston, SC's median H-1B salary of $81,349 is 38% lower than the national H-1B median of $130,541. When comparing cities, consider both salary levels and cost of living. Higher salaries in major metro areas often correspond to higher housing, transportation, and everyday expenses. Charleston, SC's H-1B market reflects its economic profile, industry presence, and competition for skilled workers. Beyond salary, job seekers should evaluate career growth opportunities, company culture, visa processing track records, and quality of life factors when choosing where to pursue H-1B employment.
Charleston, SC's H-1B salaries are below the national median, which may be offset by lower cost of living.
What is the highest H-1B salary in Charleston, SC?
The 90th percentile H-1B salary in Charleston, SC is $222,000, representing the top tier of H-1B compensation in this market. These high-end salaries typically go to senior engineers, specialized researchers, executives, and professionals with rare expertise. Factors influencing top-tier compensation include years of experience, advanced degrees, specialized skills, and negotiating leverage. Note that H-1B salary data represents base wages filed in LCA applications and may not reflect total compensation including bonuses, stock grants, and benefits that can significantly increase earnings.
The top 10% of H-1B workers in Charleston, SC earn $222,000 or more, while the bottom 10% earn $58,386 or less. This $163,614 range reflects the diversity of roles and experience levels.