10 Reasons South Carolina’s Aerospace Sector Is Soaring

For decades, South Carolina was known primarily for textiles, agriculture, and — in more recent years — automotive manufacturing. But today, another industry has captured the spotlight and is transforming the state’s economic identity: aerospace.

From Boeing’s gleaming 787 Dreamliner assembly line in North Charleston to Lockheed Martin’s production of F-16 fighter jets in Greenville, South Carolina has become a magnet for some of the world’s most advanced manufacturing operations. The state’s aerospace industry now contributes more than $38 billion annually to the economy and supports over 143,000 jobs, according to the South Carolina Council on Competitiveness.

And while those numbers are impressive, what’s even more remarkable is why this growth is happening — and how South Carolina has positioned itself to lead the next generation of flight.

Here are the 10 biggest reasons the Palmetto State’s aerospace industry is taking off at full throttle.

1. Global Anchors Are Driving the Boom

No single factor has done more to shape South Carolina’s aerospace rise than the presence of global industry anchors.

When Boeing chose North Charleston for its 787 Dreamliner final assembly and delivery facility, it did more than bring thousands of high-paying jobs — it put South Carolina on the world map as an aerospace manufacturing destination. Boeing’s investment attracted a wave of suppliers, machine shops, logistics companies, and engineering firms eager to locate nearby.

Meanwhile, in Greenville, Lockheed Martin has turned its Upstate plant into the global production line for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, fulfilling contracts with international defense partners. The facility represents not only advanced aircraft production but also high-tech integration, testing, and maintenance capabilities that few states can match.

Together, these two titans have anchored an ecosystem that continues to expand outward, drawing smaller companies, technical schools, and support industries into the orbit of aerospace innovation.

2. Explosive Job and Wage Growth

South Carolina’s aerospace sector is one of the fastest-growing in the nation. Between 2018 and 2024, aerospace employment grew by more than 21 percent, far outpacing the national average. Today, more than 140,000 South Carolinians are employed in aerospace or aerospace-related industries — jobs that pay 40 percent above the state’s average wage.

Those aren’t just numbers; they represent transformational impact. Communities once dependent on textiles or light manufacturing are now seeing high-skill, high-wage jobs in design, engineering, logistics, and advanced production. Aerospace is helping shift South Carolina’s economy from traditional manufacturing to precision manufacturing, raising incomes and technical expertise across the state.

3. A Strong, Diversified Supply Chain

While Boeing and Lockheed are the headliners, the backbone of the aerospace industry is its supply chain — and South Carolina has cultivated a deep and diverse one.

Hundreds of companies produce everything from turbine blades and composite panels to avionics, landing gear, and precision fasteners. Many of these suppliers serve both commercial and defense programs, giving the state’s industry balance and resilience.

Clusters have emerged around Greenville-Spartanburg (components and materials), the Midlands (maintenance, repair, and logistics), and the Lowcountry (final assembly and exports). This diversity means that South Carolina’s aerospace ecosystem doesn’t rise and fall on the fate of a single program — it’s distributed, interconnected, and built to last.

4. A Business Climate Built for Takeoff

South Carolina’s pro-business reputation has been decades in the making — and aerospace firms have taken notice.

The state’s right-to-work laws, competitive tax structure, and performance-based incentive programs make it a natural fit for global manufacturers. The South Carolina Department of Commerce, along with regional economic development alliances, actively partners with companies on workforce training, site selection, and infrastructure improvements.

Business leaders also point to the state’s predictability — a stable political and regulatory environment that allows long-term investments to flourish. When manufacturers plan projects with 20- or 30-year horizons, that stability can be as valuable as tax incentives.

5. Logistics and Infrastructure That Move the Industry Forward

Aerospace manufacturing relies on flawless logistics — and South Carolina’s infrastructure provides a serious competitive edge.

The Port of Charleston, one of the deepest on the East Coast, gives manufacturers easy access to international shipping lanes. The port handles not only finished aircraft components but also the specialized materials that feed aerospace production.

The state’s interstate network connects the Upstate’s manufacturing clusters with the coast, while Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP) and Charleston International Airport support both passenger and cargo operations.

Meanwhile, proximity to several military installations, including Joint Base Charleston and Shaw Air Force Base, provides valuable crossover between defense, logistics, and commercial aviation activities. South Carolina is not just building aircraft — it’s perfectly positioned to move them and their components around the world.

6. A Workforce Ready for the Future

Aerospace manufacturing requires a unique blend of technical precision, mechanical skill, and digital fluency — and South Carolina has made workforce development a cornerstone of its strategy.

The South Carolina Technical College System offers specialized training in aircraft maintenance, composites, and mechatronics, while institutions like Trident Technical College’s Aeronautical Training Center in North Charleston prepare students for direct employment in Boeing and other companies.

High schools across the state now offer aerospace career pathways, giving students early exposure to the industry. The state’s flagship universities — Clemson and the University of South Carolina — conduct aerospace research, including materials science, unmanned systems, and advanced manufacturing automation.

By aligning education with industry needs, South Carolina ensures a continuous flow of trained workers — a major advantage in a tight national labor market.

7. High-Skill, High-Wage Career Tracks

In aerospace, every job counts — and most are far above the state average in pay, benefits, and upward mobility.

Skilled technicians, precision machinists, quality-control inspectors, and engineers all command competitive salaries, often in the $60,000–$90,000 range. These are not short-term or seasonal positions — they represent career tracks that can span decades.

Just as important, aerospace jobs create a multiplier effect. Each aerospace job supports several additional positions in supply, logistics, housing, and retail — boosting local economies and raising living standards. In many ways, aerospace has become to South Carolina what automotive manufacturing was in the 1990s: the new economic engine driving prosperity.

8. A Global Gateway for Aerospace Exports

South Carolina’s aerospace exports have skyrocketed in recent years, rivaling — and in some years surpassing — automotive exports as the state’s top category.

Aircraft, engines, and parts produced in South Carolina are shipped to more than 100 countries, including major commercial aviation markets in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The Port of Charleston’s efficiency, coupled with Foreign Trade Zones that reduce import-export costs, makes the state a preferred hub for international trade.

This export orientation not only brings in revenue but also reinforces South Carolina’s global reputation as a trusted aerospace production base.

9. Post-Pandemic Recovery and Ongoing Resilience

Like much of the aerospace world, South Carolina’s industry faced headwinds during the COVID-19 pandemic as travel plummeted and production slowed. But the state’s quick rebound is a testament to its resilience.

By 2023, production levels had surpassed pre-pandemic benchmarks, driven by new defense contracts, renewed commercial demand, and investment in automation and digital manufacturing. The 2024 South Carolina Aerospace Economic Impact Study noted that the state’s aerospace manufacturing growth rate was among the highest in the nation, a clear indicator of its strength.

Resilience is now a defining feature of South Carolina’s aerospace cluster — one that continues to attract attention from global investors and policymakers alike.

10. A Statewide Industry With Regional Strength

Unlike other states where aerospace is concentrated in one metro area, South Carolina’s industry stretches from the mountains to the coast.

• The Upstate: Home to Lockheed Martin, GKN Aerospace, and numerous advanced materials firms.
• The Midlands: A logistics and maintenance hub, with Columbia Metropolitan Airport serving as a key cargo node.
• The Lowcountry: Anchored by Boeing, the Port of Charleston, and a growing network of suppliers.

This statewide distribution ensures that aerospace growth benefits all regions and provides resilience against localized downturns. It also fosters collaboration — universities, technical colleges, and economic alliances across regions routinely partner on innovation, training, and recruitment initiatives.

The Sky Is Just the Beginning

South Carolina’s aerospace success didn’t happen by chance. It’s the result of strategic investment, workforce foresight, and global collaboration.

From research labs in Clemson to flight lines in Charleston, the Palmetto State is proving that high-value, advanced manufacturing can thrive outside the traditional industrial centers. With its mix of infrastructure, talent, and business-friendly policy, South Carolina isn’t just participating in the aerospace economy — it’s helping to lead it.

And as the industry continues to evolve — from commercial aviation to defense, from drones to space systems — the state’s message is clear: South Carolina is built for flight.