Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $29.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in North Charleston, SC runs $29.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,313 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,394 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, SC, the median hourly pay for real estate agents is projected to be $29.96 in 2026, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $25.78. This level of compensation reflects the dynamics of the local market and offers a viable income for both full-time agents and those pursuing part-time opportunities. Within a part-time framework, such as working three days a week, agents can expect to earn around $23,000 annually, a substantial consideration for newly licensed professionals or those seeking to supplement their income. The hourly range for real estate agents in North Charleston varies significantly, with entry-level salaries starting as low as $17.38, while experienced agents can earn up to $46.44 per hour depending on their performance and client base. However, keep in mind that these figures are estimates derived from annual salary data, as many agents operate primarily on a commission basis.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.38 | $139.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.34 | $186.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.96 | $239.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.35 | $306.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.44 | $371.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $29.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.96/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $62,323 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,955. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,198.51 | $5,194 | $62,323 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $719.11 | $3,116 | $37,394 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $479.40 | $2,077 | $24,929 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (North Charleston) | $29.96 |
| Real Estate Broker (National Avg) | $42.96 |
| Insurance Sales Agent (National Avg) | $29.02 |
| Property / Real Estate Manager (National Avg) | $33.79 |
| Appraiser / Assessor of Real Estate (National Avg) | $37.18 |
Real Estate Agents in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $62,313 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.21% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 27.00% above the South Carolina state average of $49,065.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.96/hr = $37,394/year (purchasing power: $40,867).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,323/year (purchasing power: $68,112).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in North Charleston grew 8.0% from $27.34/hr (2019) to $29.52/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.41/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem real estate agents can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Real Estate Agent in North Charleston
Exploring part-time opportunities in real estate can lead to mixed results in terms of annual income when compared to full-time work. A real estate agent working 24 hours a week typically earns less than their full-time counterparts due to the commission-driven nature of the industry, which often leaves new agents with hourly equivalents that can fall below minimum wage when factoring in unpaid hours for prospecting. Moreover, most real estate positions are structured around the 1099 model, with agents receiving a commission split, which means per diem work is relatively uncommon. Despite the commission rate shake-ups following the 2024 NAR settlement, the earning potential for top producers may range from $100 to $300 per hour. Hourly rates also fluctuate based on the employer type, with national franchises like Keller Williams and RE/MAX often providing higher base earnings, while independent brokerages may offer lower upfront compensation but greater flexibility. Considering health benefits versus higher hourly rates without them is critical for agents’ overall strategic planning. Negotiating for competitive pay in North Charleston requires understanding the unique aspects of the local market and being prepared to present one's value to prospective clients or brokerages.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for real estate agents in North Charleston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Charleston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov