Charleston, SC, February 4, 2026
Boeing South Carolina has experienced a significant 10% increase in payroll, reinforcing its commitment to the region and highlighting the growth in the local aerospace sector. This expansion is expected to create an additional 500 jobs and support economic growth in Charleston County. The state’s favorable business climate further contributes to boosting wages and employment, solidifying South Carolina’s reputation as a pro-business environment.
Charleston, SC
Boeing’s Payroll Soars: A Boost for Lowcountry Prosperity
Charleston’s economic landscape is continually shaped by innovative enterprises and strategic investments, and a recent development at Boeing South Carolina highlights this dynamic growth. In 2025, Boeing SC experienced a significant surge, with its payroll jumping by almost 10 percent. This increase not only underscores the company’s commitment to the region but also reflects the broader positive trends within the Lowcountry’s burgeoning aerospace sector and the state’s pro-business environment.
This notable payroll expansion at one of Charleston County’s largest employers signals robust economic health and demonstrates the power of private investment in fostering regional prosperity. The sustained growth of anchor industries like aerospace, coupled with South Carolina’s supportive business climate, creates a fertile ground for job creation, personal achievement, and community development, benefiting both established companies and aspiring South Carolina entrepreneurs.
Aerospace Momentum: Boeing’s Expanding Footprint
Boeing’s presence in North Charleston has been a cornerstone of economic growth and innovation for over a decade, firmly establishing Charleston County as a leader in the global aerospace industry. Since its inception in 2009, when Boeing selected North Charleston for its final assembly and delivery facility, the company has invested more than $3 billion in the region, showcasing a deep commitment to the community. This facility is notably the company’s sole production site for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft.
The company’s expansion plans further solidify this commitment. Boeing is investing $1 billion to enhance its 787 Dreamliner production facilities in North Charleston by 2026. This significant investment includes the addition of a second assembly building on its International Boulevard campus and substantial upgrades to existing operations. This strategic move aims to double the production rate of the 787 widebody plane, increasing it from five to eight per month in 2025 to meet rising global demand. This expansion is projected to create an additional 500 new jobs, boosting Boeing’s South Carolina workforce to over 8,300 individuals.
Driving Job Creation and Wage Growth
The impact of Boeing’s operations extends far beyond its direct workforce, creating a ripple effect across the Charleston Metro Area. Studies indicate that Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has contributed to a 3 percent increase in local wages and a 6 percent rise in overall employment relative to a control group. This demonstrates how large-scale private sector investments stimulate broader economic activity and opportunity for many.
A local multiplier analysis highlights that for every promised job at the Boeing plant, an additional 2.6 jobs were generated within the Charleston Metro Area in the five years following the plant’s opening. This illustrates how a thriving manufacturing sector supports various local service jobs, from healthcare providers and educators to construction workers and small business owners. The state’s aerospace industry as a whole gained 6,000 jobs after the plant opened, exceeding the initial 3,800 jobs promised by Boeing.
The recent payroll increase directly benefits employees. In 2025, non-union employees at Boeing South Carolina received a 9 percent standard wage increase and a $12,000 retention bonus, stemming from a ratified agreement. Such wage and bonus increases reflect personal achievement and the competitive nature of the aerospace job market, allowing individuals to further their financial well-being and contribute to the local economy.
South Carolina: A Pro-Business Landscape
South Carolina’s strategic approach to economic development plays a vital role in attracting and retaining major employers like Boeing. The state consistently ranks among the top states nationwide for doing business, a testament to its commitment to fostering a favorable environment for commerce. This commitment is evident in a number of policies that support entrepreneurial innovation and economic growth.
The state boasts a competitive tax structure, including a low corporate tax rate of 5 percent, and offers performance-based tax incentives designed to position companies for long-term growth. Furthermore, South Carolina differentiates itself with no state-levied property taxes, local income taxes, inventory taxes, or sales tax on manufacturing equipment, industrial power, or materials for finished products.
As a right-to-work state, South Carolina maintains one of the lowest unionization rates in the nation, contributing to a stable and efficient workforce. The state is also recognized for its robust workforce development programs, such as the Center for Accelerated Technology Training (CATT), which helps cultivate a highly skilled labor pool essential for advanced manufacturing. These factors collectively create an environment where businesses can maximize their output while minimizing expenses, encouraging both established corporations and South Carolina small business owners to thrive.
Aerospace Sector: A State-Level Powerhouse
The aerospace sector has emerged as a major pillar of South Carolina’s economy, transforming the state’s economic identity. It currently contributes over $38 billion annually to the state’s economy and supports more than 143,000 jobs, with aerospace jobs paying 40 percent above the state’s average wage. This signifies the high-skill, high-wage opportunities available to South Carolinians in this dynamic field.
South Carolina’s aerospace manufacturing has demonstrated exceptional resilience and growth, outpacing all peer-aerospace states since 2019 with a remarkable 21.7 percent employment growth rate, making it the highest in the nation. The state’s commitment to cultivating this industry is evident in its expanding network of over 400 aerospace and aviation companies. The aerospace sector also stands as the second-largest export in the state, generating $6.6 billion in export sales of aircraft and parts in 2023.
Beyond manufacturing, the Charleston County economy is driven by a powerful mix of advanced manufacturing, global logistics, and innovation. The strategic location on the U.S. East Coast, coupled with a strong transportation infrastructure including the Port of Charleston—the deepest port in the Southeast—provides efficient access to domestic and international markets.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Lowcountry Economic Growth
The continued investment and growth seen at Boeing South Carolina, particularly the payroll increase in 2025, serves as a powerful indicator of a thriving Charleston County economy and a testament to the benefits of a business-friendly environment. The focus on entrepreneurial innovation, the resilience of the local workforce, and the strategic advantages offered by South Carolina’s economic policies continue to attract significant private investment and generate high-value employment opportunities.
As Lowcountry economic growth continues its upward trajectory, it is imperative for the community to remain engaged and supportive of the businesses that drive this prosperity. Supporting local businesses, advocating for sensible economic policies, and investing in workforce development programs are all crucial steps in ensuring Charleston’s vibrant economic future. The success of large enterprises like Boeing creates a rising tide that lifts many, fostering a community where Charleston SC business can flourish and individuals can achieve their full potential.
Frequently Asked Questions About Charleston’s Aerospace Sector and Boeing SC
- What was the percentage increase in Boeing SC’s payroll in 2025?
- Boeing SC’s payroll jumped by almost 10 percent in 2025.
- What is Boeing’s total investment in Charleston since 2009?
- Boeing has invested more than $3 billion in Charleston since 2009.
- How many new jobs will Boeing’s 2026 expansion in North Charleston create?
- Boeing’s 2026 expansion in North Charleston is expected to create 500 new jobs.
- What is the current workforce size for Boeing in South Carolina after the expansion?
- After the expansion, Boeing’s South Carolina workforce will be over 8,300 individuals.
- How has Boeing’s presence impacted local wages and employment in the Charleston Metro Area?
- Boeing’s presence in South Carolina has boosted local wages by 3 percent and overall employment by 6 percent in the Charleston Metro Area relative to a control group.
- What is the economic impact of the aerospace industry on South Carolina annually?
- The aerospace industry now contributes more than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy.
- How many jobs does the aerospace sector support in South Carolina?
- The aerospace sector supports over 143,000 jobs in South Carolina.
- How do aerospace jobs in South Carolina compare to the state’s average wage?
- Aerospace jobs in South Carolina pay 40 percent above the state’s average wage.
- What is South Carolina’s rank among states for doing business?
- South Carolina consistently ranks as one of the top states nationwide for doing business.
- What is the corporate tax rate in South Carolina?
- South Carolina has a low corporate tax rate of 5 percent.
- What is the status of unionization in South Carolina?
- South Carolina is a right-to-work state and maintains one of the lowest unionization rates in the nation.
Key Features of Boeing SC’s Economic Impact and South Carolina’s Business Climate
| Feature | Description | Geographic Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Payroll Jump (2025) | Almost 10 percent increase in Boeing SC’s payroll. | Local |
| Total Investment in Charleston (since 2009) | Over $3 billion invested by Boeing. | Local |
| New Jobs from 2026 Expansion | 500 new jobs projected from Boeing’s North Charleston expansion. | Local |
| Boeing SC Workforce (post-expansion) | Over 8,300 individuals. | Local |
| Impact on Local Wages and Employment | Local wages boosted by 3%, overall employment by 6% in Charleston Metro Area relative to a control group. | Local |
| Aerospace Industry Annual Economic Contribution | More than $38 billion annually to the state’s economy. | State-level |
| Aerospace Sector Jobs Supported | Over 143,000 jobs. | State-level |
| Aerospace Job Wage Premium | 40 percent above the state’s average wage. | State-level |
| State Ranking for Business | Consistently ranks among the top states nationwide for doing business. | Nationwide |
| Corporate Tax Rate | Low corporate tax rate of 5 percent. | State-level |
| Right-to-Work Status | South Carolina is a right-to-work state with one of the lowest unionization rates in the nation. | Nationwide |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Boeing’s 787 Dreamliner Deliveries Set to Enhance Charleston’s Aerospace Sector
Historic ‘Piggly Wiggly’ House Hits Market for $8.5M
Charleston’s Economic Horizon: Boeing’s 2025 Progress and Local Ripple Effects
Charleston’s Economic Horizon: Insights into Local Business Dynamics
Charleston Air Mobility Strengthens Local Manufacturing with Boeing
Mount Pleasant Apartments Fetch $105M: A Landmark Lowcountry Rental Deal
Charleston Airport’s Sky-High Success Boosts Local Economy
Palmetto Students Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary
College of Charleston Launches Major Hospitality School
Charleston’s New Design District Emerges as Creative Hub
