You can make it in SC

Did you know?
  • $75,698 average annual manufacturing wage in SC
  • 24% higher average wage than the state average
  • 30% of SC jobs supported by manufacturing
  • 77% of entry-level jobs require no more than a high school degree
  • 23,290 new manufacturing jobs projected by 2034
  • 106% growth in automotive manufacturing jobs since 2010
  • 1 in 3 manufacturing workers are women
Industries

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South Carolina manufacturers work across industries that touch everything from transportation and technology to medicine and the products we use every day.From the factory floor to the lab and beyond, manufacturing happens in more places and more ways than you might think.Manufacturing takes all kinds of skills, in all kinds of industries. Your next opportunity could look very different from your last one.

  • Automotive

    Drive the future of transportation with innovative and cutting-edge tech.

  • Aerospace

    Build aircrafts, fighter jets and the precision components that help them take flight.

  • Chemical

    Turn chemistry into the materials behind cars, electronics and more.

  • Advanced Materials

    Develop high-performance materials revolutionizing other industries.

  • Pharmaceutical

    Help turn scientific innovation into medicines through precise production.

  • Manufacturing Technology

    Use robotics, automation, AI and data to make the way we manufacture even smarter.

  • Industrial

    Make the equipment, machinery and components that keep industries moving.

  • Consumer Goods

    Help make the products people wear, use and count on every day.

Job examples

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A career in manufacturing can take you in a lot of different directions. These are just a few of the jobs that could be waiting for you.Like working with your hands? Solving problems? Science, technology or design? There’s a place in manufacturing for you. Below are just a few examples of the paths you can take.Manufacturing has room for all kinds of skills and experience. Below are just a few examples of the roles out there.

  • Industrial Machinery Mechanic

    Education High School + Training Salary $45,000 to $83,000

    Maintain and repair the machines that keep production moving.

  • Welder

    Education High School + Training Salary $38,000 to $64,000

    Join and shape metal parts using precision equipment.

  • Industrial Engineer

    Education Bachelor’s Degree Salary $75,000 to $136,000

    Design smarter, more efficient ways to manufacture.

  • Quality Manager

    Education Bachelor’s Degree + Job Experience Salary $80,000 to $205,000

    Keep products up to standard by leading quality checks and improvements.

  • Chemical Technician

    Education Associate’s Degree Salary $48,000 to $82,000

    Test materials and products to improve quality, safety and performance.

  • Electrical Drafter

    Education Associate’s Degree Salary $55,000 to $92,000

    Create detailed plans that show how electrical systems and equipment are built.

Real people, real careers

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  • I used to think manufacturing was just production, production, production. Do this one thing all day long. But it's so different than that. There's a lot more variety than I imagined. There are lots of avenues that you can take, so many places you can go, so many things you can do.

    Earnestine Davis Multicraft Technician Volvo Car US Operations / Ridgeville, SC

  • Welding is really intense, but really satisfying work to do. It gets really hot, but it's very artistic in a way. You're building something, you're sculpting things, you get to work with power tools and shape the final creation.

    Arianna Trimble Production Trainer HII Newport News Shipbuilding / Goose Creek, SC

  • I have always loved solving problems. Even as a kid—and my mom can attest to this—sometimes I would make problems just to solve them myself. Now, as a supply chain manager at BMW, I get to do that every day.

    Myah Suber Supply Chain Manager BMW / Greer, SC
Featured manufacturers

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Some of the world’s most exciting products are being made right here in South Carolina. Meet the manufacturers behind them and see where you’re needed.Some of the world’s most exciting products are being made right here in South Carolina. Meet the manufacturers behind them and see where your career could start.Some of the world’s most exciting products are being made right here in South Carolina. Meet the manufacturers behind them and see where you’re needed.

Manufacturing Education Examples

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There are numerous paths to manufacturing: internships, apprenticeships, education, and training. Explore a handful of certificate programs, two-year and four-year education across the state that can help you build the skills to get started.There are all kinds of ways into manufacturing. Explore degrees, certificates, apprenticeships, and training programs across the state.You don't need to start over to start something new. Explore the many ways you can build on your skills and make your next move.

  • 4-year
  • 2-year
  • Satellite Campuses
  1. Greenville Technical College Advanced Manufacturing and Transportation Technology Greenville, SC 2-year
  2. Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences Clemson, SC 4-year
  3. Spartanburg Community College Advanced Manufacturing and Industrial Technologies Spartanburg, SC 2-year
  4. USC Upstate Logistics and Supply Chain Management Spartanburg, SC 4-year
  5. The Citadel Mechanical Engineering Charleston, SC 4-year
  6. College of Charleston Engineering Charleston, SC 4-year
  7. Trident Technical College Manufacturing Charleston, SC 2-year
  8. SC State University Electrical Engineering Orangeburg, SC 4-year
  9. University of South Carolina Aerospace Engineering Columbia, SC 4-year
  10. Midlands Technical College Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades Columbia, SC 2-year
  11. Aiken Technical College Industrial and Skilled Trades Nuclear Fundamentals Graniteville, SC 2-year
  12. Tri-County Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Pendleton, SC 2-year
  13. Horry-Georgetown Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Technology Conway, SC 2-year
  14. Coastal Carolina University Engineering Science Conway, SC 4-year
  15. Francis Marion University Engineering Technology Florence, SC 4-year
  16. Central Carolina Technical College Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Technology Sumter, SC 2-year
  17. York Technical College Utility Line Worker and Industrial and Engineering Technologies Rock Hill, SC 2-year
  18. Piedmont Technical College Skilled Trades/Advanced Manufacturing Greenwood, SC 2-year
  19. Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College Advanced Manufacturing Orangeburg, SC 2-year

46 counties. More to be made in every one.

Manufacturing careers are everywhere in South Carolina.