Top Employers in Charleston, SC

Charleston, South Carolina, boasts a dynamic and diverse economy supported by top employers in both the public and private sectors. Key government employers such as Joint Base Charleston, Medical University of South Carolina, and the Charleston County School District contribute significantly to the region's stability and growth. On the private side, industry leaders like Boeing South Carolina, Roper St. Francis Healthcare, and Bosch Charleston Plant drive innovation, healthcare excellence, and manufacturing prowess, underscoring Charleston's role as a hub of economic vitality.

Top Government Employers

Joint Military Base: A major employer in the Charleston area. The Joint Base is comprised of both Air Force and Navy operations and includes approximately 90,000 active and reserve military members and their families. As a huge contributor to the local economy the base also supports national and global military initiatives.

MUSC: Medical University of South Carolina: Another major government employer, and a leading teaching hospital system in the Charleston area. MUSC is renowned for its contributions to both medical research and education, and also provides high quality patient care across a myriad of specialities.

CHS County Schools: The second largest school district in South Carolina serving more than 50,000 students in the area.

College of Charleston: As a major college and institution of higher education, C of C is a mainstay on the downtown peninsula. The college offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and contributes to the cultural and intellectual vibrancy of Charleston.

C of C quick facts: (from CofC.com)

67 majors

81 minors
3 undergraduate certificate programs
20 master’s degree programs
9 graduate-level certificate programs
1 doctoral program
9 academic schools

Undergraduate: 10,660
Graduate: 1,069
Total enrollment: 11,729
Location: Charleston, South Carolina
Student-faculty ratio: 14.5:1
Students living on campus: 34%
Minority students: 19%
Percentage of in-state students: 53.2%*
Percentage of out-of-state students: 46.8%*
U.S. states and territories represented: 53
Foreign countries represented: 72
Acceptance rate: 72%

USPS: USPS is a significant government employer in Charleston, with numerous postal workers, including mail carriers, clerks, and administrative staff, ensuring the timely delivery of mail and packages across the region.

South Carolina Ports Authority: The South Carolina Ports Authority operates several key facilities in the Charleston area, including the Port of Charleston, which is a vital part of the international trade and commerce business. The port also employs a large workforce to manage port operations, logistics, and infrastructure.

Top Private Employers in Charleston

Roper St Francis: As one of the largest private employers in Charleston, Roper St. Francis Healthcare operates multiple hospitals and outpatient facilities. It employs a wide range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and administrative staff. The organization is known for providing comprehensive medical services and contributing to the health and well-being of the community.

The Boeing Company: Boeing’s South Carolina facility in North Charleston is a major manufacturing site for the aerospace giant. The plant assembles the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, employing thousands of skilled workers in engineering, production, and support roles. Boeing’s presence has significantly boosted the local economy and attracted a network of suppliers and ancillary businesses.

Benefitfocus: Benefitfocus, a leading provider of cloud-based benefits management software, has its headquarters in Charleston. The company employs a substantial number of software developers, customer service representatives, and corporate staff. Benefitfocus plays a significant role in the tech industry in Charleston, fostering innovation and growth.

Blackbaud: Blackbaud is a global leader in providing software and services for the nonprofit sector, and its headquarters are located in Charleston. The company employs many individuals in technology, sales, and support roles. Blackbaud's presence has helped establish Charleston as a growing hub for technology and innovation.

Walmart: Walmart, like many medium sized cities in the US is a major employer in the area with a number of stores and providing jobs to thousands of individuals in retail, management, logistics, and customer service. Walmart's presence supports the local economy through job creation and community engagement.

Volvo Car USA: Volvo’s manufacturing plant is in Ridgeville, near Charleston, and is a significant private employer in the region. The facility produces several Volvo models and employs thousands of workers in manufacturing, engineering, and administrative roles. Volvo’s investment in the area has spurred economic development and job creation.

Robert Bosch: The Bosch Charleston Plant is a major manufacturing facility for the global engineering and technology company. The plant produces automotive parts and systems, employing a substantial workforce in manufacturing, engineering, and support roles. Bosch's commitment to innovation and quality has made it a significant contributor to Charleston's industrial sector.