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K-12 Teacher Licensing in South Carolina

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in South Carolina, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in South Carolina

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Register with licensing agency
  • Education: Varies by state board
  • Examination: State-approved exam
  • Application Fee: See agency

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    SC Board of Cosmetology

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $59,370 median (5% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in South Carolina

With a median salary of 59,370, K-12 Teachers in South Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $62,340. South Carolina ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

Median annual salary

$59,370

Hourly estimate

$28.54
5% below national median

Difference: -$2,970

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$45,050
  • P2525th percentile$47,630
  • P50Median$59,370
  • P7575th percentile$64,480
  • P9090th percentile$76,520

State vs National Median

State: $59,370
National: $62,340

Total employment: 23,680 | Annual openings: N/A

K-12 Teacher Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington99,110
#2California98,190
#3Rhode Island86,900
#4Massachusetts83,260
#5New York82,480

Nearby States Comparison

K-12 Teacher licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
South Carolina$59,370Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
North Carolina$49,400Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Georgia$63,490Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
South Carolina78HighBoard-specific review required.
North Carolina68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Georgia33LowLimited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

SC Board of Cosmetology

110 Centerview Drive Kingstree Bldg. Suite 201, PO Box 11329, Columbia, SC, 29211-1329

Phone: 8038964588

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in South Carolina

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Librarian$60,050Varies by state board6-24 months
School Counselor$57,400Varies by state board6-24 months
Architect$84,190Varies by state board6-24 months
Audiologist$75,980Varies by state board6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in South Carolina?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in South Carolina?

The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in South Carolina is 59,370. Salaries range from $45,050 (10th percentile) to $76,520 (90th percentile).

How does the K-12 Teacher salary in South Carolina compare to the national average?

K-12 Teachers in South Carolina earn 5% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of 59,370.

How many K-12 Teachers work in South Carolina?

South Carolina employs approximately 23,680 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to South Carolina from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in South Carolina?

The licensing agency is SC Board of Cosmetology. Review agency details at http://www.llr.state.sc.us/POL/Cosmetology.