Florence Is Paying. Are You Getting Yours?

You do not have to leave Florence to build a real career.

That is not wishful thinking. That is data. Florence County is home to some of the highest paying employers in South Carolina, from global manufacturers operating right off I-95 to one of the most respected hospital systems in the entire Southeast. The money is here. The careers are here. The question is whether you know where to look and what it takes to get in.

Here is your guide.

THE BIG PICTURE FIRST

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, workers in the Florence, SC Metropolitan Statistical Area earned an average hourly wage of $25.87 in May 2024. The average annual salary for jobs in Florence sits around $61,251. Those numbers go significantly higher depending on your field, your experience, and which employer you walk into.

The highest paying occupation in Florence right now is anesthesiology, averaging $218,940 per year. Family medicine physicians average $217,870. If healthcare is your path, Florence has a runway that goes as high as you are willing to work for.

But healthcare is not the only path. Not even close.

McCLEOD HEALTH

What they pay: $34,000 on the lower end for clerical and support roles, up to $180,000 and beyond for physicians, directors, and specialized clinical positions. Pharmacists and clinical pharmacy specialists earn between $90,000 and $120,000. Directors of compensation and human resources earn between $100,000 and $130,000.

Why it matters: McLeod Health is ranked the number one best company to work for in Florence, SC in 2026. They are the largest healthcare employer in the Pee Dee and have been a cornerstone of this community for decades. They offer tuition reimbursement, internal advancement, leadership development programs, and a career track that can take you from entry level to department director without ever leaving Florence.

What they are looking for: Nurses, surgical technicians, pharmacists, administrative coordinators, patient access representatives, lab assistants, and more.

Apply here: jobs.mcleodhealth.org

MUSC HEALTH FLORENCE MEDICAL CENTER

What they pay: Comparable to McLeod across most clinical and administrative roles, with physician salaries reaching well into six figures depending on specialty.

Why it matters: MUSC is one of the most recognized health systems in South Carolina. Having MUSC on your resume carries weight statewide. They operate at 805 Pamplico Highway in Florence and serve the entire Pee Dee region.

Apply here: musc.career-pages.com/jobs/search/florence

GE HEALTHCARE

What they pay: Engineers and technical professionals earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually. Entry level manufacturing and production roles start lower but come with strong benefits and advancement potential.

Why it matters: GE HealthCare is a global company operating right here in Florence County. Working here means you are building medical imaging and diagnostic equipment used in hospitals all over the world. That is real work with real impact and a resume line that travels anywhere.

What they are looking for: Manufacturing engineers, quality analysts, technical specialists, and production team members.

Apply here: careers.gehealthcare.com/global/en — search Florence, SC

HONDA OF SOUTH CAROLINA

What they pay: Assembly line workers earn between $20,000 and $49,000. Production managers and manufacturing roles range from $50,000 to $97,000. Engineering and technical positions go higher.

Why it matters: Honda of South Carolina's manufacturing plant is located in Timmonsville, right in the heart of Florence County. This is one of the most stable manufacturing employers in the region, with a track record of long-term employment and strong benefits.

What they are looking for: Manufacturing quality engineers, parts quality analysts, production team members, and environmental and technical specialists.

Apply here: adecco.com/en-us/job-seekers/companies/honda-jobs

THERMO FISHER SCIENTIFIC

What they pay: An average hourly rate of $24, with skilled lab, science, and technical positions paying considerably more. Annual salaries for specialized roles range from $50,000 into six figures.

Why it matters: Thermo Fisher is the world leader in serving science, with revenues exceeding $10 billion globally. Having Thermo Fisher on your resume signals to any employer anywhere that you know how to work at a high level.

What they are looking for: Lab technicians, scientists, quality specialists, and manufacturing professionals.

Apply here: thermofisher.com/careers — search Florence, SC

QVC

What they pay: Material handlers start around $20,000. Forklift operators average around $22.58 per hour. Management level positions reach up to $89,861 annually.

Why it matters: QVC's Florence fulfillment operation is one of the largest distribution employers in the county. If you are looking for steady work with room to move into management, this is a real option.

Apply here: qvc.com/careers

CHENEY BROTHERS

What they pay: Roles span distribution, logistics, management, and operations. The company has invested $108.5 million in Florence and employs 365 people locally.

Why it matters: Cheney Brothers chose Florence deliberately and has kept expanding here. Their Florence facility is one of the largest culinary distribution operations the company has ever built. Long-term investment means long-term jobs.

Apply here: cheneybrothers.com/careers

BLUECROSS BLUESHIELD OF SOUTH CAROLINA

What they pay: Customer service and claims roles range from $40,000 to $85,000 annually depending on experience and position level.

Why it matters: BCBS is one of the most stable employers in South Carolina. Insurance and healthcare administration is a field that does not disappear in an economic downturn.

Apply here: southcarolinablues.com/about-us/careers

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR YOU

Florence has a $61,000 average annual salary. The top employers in this city pay well above that for the right candidates. The gap between where you are and where these salaries start is almost always one of three things: a certification, a degree, or a specific skill set.

Florence-Darlington Technical College at 2715 W. Lucas Street offers programs in healthcare, manufacturing technology, business, and more, many of which feed directly into the companies listed above. If you are a Class of 2026 graduate trying to figure out your next move, FDTC is worth a serious conversation.

Francis Marion University at 4822 E. Palmetto Street is another direct pipeline into Florence's highest paying sectors, particularly healthcare administration, business, and education.

You do not have to go far to build something real. The careers are here. The companies are here. Florence is paying.

Go get yours.