Sewing Machine Operator Salary in South Carolina (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Sewing Machine Operators in South Carolina, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
South Carolina Median
$38,250
per year
Hourly Rate
$18.39
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+4% vs US median
US median $36,670
State Rank
#18 of 50
2,460 employed here

How much does a Sewing Machine Operator make in South Carolina?

A Sewing Machine Operator working in South Carolina earns a median salary of $38,250 per year, or about $18.39 per hour. That is 4% above the national median of $36,670 for this occupation.

Within South Carolina, entry-level pay starts around $26,690 while the top 10% make $47,210 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $32,840 and $43,530 a year.

Sewing Machine Operator salary range in South Carolina

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$26,690$12.83
25th percentile (early career)$32,840$15.79
50th percentile (median)$38,250$18.39
75th percentile (experienced)$43,530$20.93
90th percentile (top earners)$47,210$22.70

How South Carolina compares

South Carolina ranks 18th out of 50 states and territories for Sewing Machine Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Nevada$45,750
2Alaska$43,850
3Colorado$43,840
4Maine$43,520
5Washington$43,360

Working as a Sewing Machine Operator in South Carolina

Nationally, about 105,000 people work as Sewing Machine Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare South Carolina pay ($38,250) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Sewing Machine Operator make in South Carolina?
The median Sewing Machine Operator salary in South Carolina is $38,250 per year, or about $18.39 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $26,690 at the entry level to $47,210 for the top 10% of earners.
How does South Carolina pay compare to the national average?
South Carolina pays Sewing Machine Operators about 4% more than the national median of $36,670. South Carolina ranks 18th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is South Carolina a good state for Sewing Machine Operators?
Yes on pay — South Carolina pays above the national median for this occupation, at $38,250 a year. About 2,460 Sewing Machine Operators are employed in South Carolina. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in South Carolina?
The highest-paying occupations in South Carolina include General Internal Medicine Physician ($359,500), Neurologist ($352,680), Emergency Medicine Physician ($341,960), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Sewing Machine Operator salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.