Charleston, August 20, 2025
News Summary
Charleston is witnessing significant economic expansion, particularly driven by the defense and healthcare sectors. With over 3,000 job openings available, companies like Google, Boeing, and SHL Medical are contributing to a thriving job market. The recent expansion of Davis Defense Group and the launch of SHL Medical’s manufacturing facility signal promising job growth, with hundreds of new roles for local residents. Amidst this growth, workforce trends reveal a shift as many high school graduates opt for employment over college, highlighting evolving educational pathways.
Charleston is experiencing a significant economic boom fueled by growth in the defense and medical industries. With over 3,000 job roles available on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance job board, local employment is on the rise in sectors such as aerospace, technology, and healthcare. Major companies like Google and Boeing are actively hiring, contributing to the region’s vibrant job market alongside numerous innovative startups and local businesses.
Recently, Charleston County leaders announced an expansion plan for Davis Defense Group, a defense contracting firm located in North Charleston. The expansion is projected to create 30 new jobs, underscoring the company’s pivotal role in supporting national security efforts for the Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic and the U.S. Marine Corps. The firm plans to relocate to a larger office space at 2456 Remount Road in North Charleston to accommodate anticipated future growth and contracts, enhancing its ability to serve clients effectively.
In addition to Davis Defense Group, SHL Medical has launched a new manufacturing facility in North Charleston, representing a substantial investment of $90 million. This facility covers an impressive 360,000 square feet and will be dedicated to manufacturing medical device injection molds. The opening of this facility is expected to create around 165 new jobs, further strengthening the workforce in the local healthcare manufacturing sector.
Governor Henry McMaster emphasized the critical role of technical colleges and universities in preparing the local workforce for these new job opportunities. There has been a significant trend noted, as nearly 40% of recent high school graduates chose not to pursue college in 2023. This shift reflects companies’ struggles to fill positions that do not necessarily require a four-year degree.
With baby boomers retiring and factories reopening across the U.S., the demand for young talent is surging. A report revealed that one-third of companies have removed bachelor’s degree requirements for many job positions. In response to market conditions, median wages for high school graduates have reached their highest levels since 1990, averaging around $40,000 annually, though this figure remains lower than the earnings reported for college graduates. Furthermore, approximately 2 million high school graduates in the U.S. are earning six-figure salaries without having completed a four-year degree.
Meanwhile, the cost of attending college continues to escalate, with projections indicating that by 2025, the average cost will exceed $38,200. Graduates typically leave school with over $39,000 in student debt, leading to increased skepticism regarding the value of a college education; a Pew Research survey indicated that 29% of Americans believe that college attendance is not worthwhile.
In light of these developments, Stacker ranked the 50 highest-paying jobs in Charleston that do not require a college degree, utilizing annual compensation data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, showing promising alternatives for those opting out of higher education.
Overall, Charleston’s economic landscape demonstrates a dynamic evolution of employment opportunities, driven by demand for skilled labor in burgeoning industries and a shift in educational pathways to meet workforce requirements.
FAQ Section
What industries are driving job growth in Charleston?
Job growth in Charleston is primarily driven by the aerospace, technology, healthcare, and defense industries.
How many job roles are available in Charleston?
There are over 3,000 job roles available across various industries, as listed on the Charleston Regional Development Alliance job board.
What is the significance of the Davis Defense Group expansion?
The Davis Defense Group’s expansion will create 30 new jobs and enhance its operations supporting national security efforts.
What investment did SHL Medical make in Charleston?
SHL Medical has invested $90 million into a new manufacturing facility in North Charleston, expected to create 165 new jobs.
Are high school graduates pursuing college or jobs?
In 2023, nearly 40% of recent high school graduates opted out of college, reflecting changing perceptions about the value of higher education and job opportunities available without a degree.
Key Features Overview
| Company/Entity | Location | Investment | New Jobs Created | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Davis Defense Group | North Charleston | N/A | 30 | Defense |
| SHL Medical | North Charleston | $90 million | 165 | Healthcare Manufacturing |
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Additional Resources
- MSN: Best Paying Computers and Engineering Jobs in Charleston
- Live 5 News: Defense Contracting Company Expanding
- News and Sentinel: Education in Charleston
- Wikipedia: Charleston, South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Charleston
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
