Intelligence AI Analyst.
Charleston.
$118,000
median salary, at the national average
$85,000 to $155,000. Last updated April 2026.
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Data points to own the conversation.
Intelligence AI Analyst pay in Charleston ranges from $85,000 to $155,000 in 2026. The median is $118,000, right at the national average. Charleston is one of the South's fastest growing tech hubs, with Boeing, Volvo, and a wave of software companies establishing operations. Every dollar in that range is negotiable if you come prepared.
Salary range
Where do you fall?
Salary by experience
The gap between entry and lead level is typically $106,000. Where you land depends on years of experience and what you bring to the table.
Entry (0-2 yrs)
$77,000
to $94,000
Mid (3-5 yrs)
$100,000
to $124,000
Senior (6-9 yrs)
$130,000
to $153,000
Lead (10+ yrs)
$148,000
to $183,000
Salary trend
+6% YoYTotal compensation
Base salary is not the full picture. Equity, bonus, and signing can add $34,000 to the total package.
Base
$118,000
Equity
$20,000
Bonus
$12,000
Signing
$2,000
Estimated total: $152,000
How Charleston compares
Charleston, SC
$118,000
Cost of living: 2% below average
National Average
$118,000
Same as local rate
Intelligence AI Analyst salary by city
Salary by role in Charleston
What you should know
If you are interviewing for Intelligence AI Analyst roles in Charleston, here is what you are walking into. Charleston is one of the South's fastest growing tech hubs, with Boeing, Volvo, and a wave of software companies establishing operations. The city's port drives significant logistics employment. Charleston's quality of life, moderate costs, and growing tech scene attract relocating professionals from across the country. Compensation reflects the combination of intelligence analysis expertise and AI tool proficiency. Analysts who can leverage ML for pattern recognition, OSINT analysis, and geospatial intelligence earn premiums over traditional analysts. Security clearance level is a major salary driver. Experience with NLP for multi-language intelligence processing adds significant value.
Junior intelligence AI analysts start at $75,000 to $90,000. Mid-level analysts with deployed AI tools reach $110,000 to $135,000. Senior analysts leading AI-augmented intelligence programs earn $140,000 to $175,000. Directors of AI intelligence at agencies or contractors can reach $190,000 to $240,000 in total compensation. In Charleston, cost of living sits near the national average, so the numbers you see are roughly what you keep.
Base salary is not the full picture. Government civilian positions (GS-13 to GS-15) include pension, TSP matching, and generous leave policies. Contractor positions offer 10% to 15% bonuses and potentially higher base salaries. Retention bonuses for cleared analysts range from $5,000 to $20,000. Some agencies offer student loan repayment programs. And on the tax side: south Carolina's top income tax rate is 6.4%. Charleston has no city income tax. The state rate is moderate, and the affordable cost of living keeps net pay competitive. When someone quotes you $118,000, ask what the total package looks like. The gap between base and total comp is where real money hides.
On negotiation: Highlight the Boeing and Volvo ecosystem when negotiating. Manufacturing and engineering employers in Charleston benchmark against national aerospace pay scales. The range for Intelligence AI Analysts in Charleston runs from $85,000 to $155,000. That is not a narrow window. Where you land inside it depends almost entirely on whether you negotiate and how well you prepare.
Sources: SEC filings, H-1B LCA (DOL), BLS OES, 50+ job posting platforms. COL: BEA Regional Price Parities (2025). Data verified by Justin Bartak, Founder & Chief AI Officer. Last verified April 8, 2026. Full methodology
Considering a related role?
- A AI Workforce Planner in Charleston earns $119,000 (1% more)
- The highest-paying role in Charleston is Distinguished Engineer at $333,000
Common questions.
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