New study reveals key insights on pay, benefits, and workforce trends in South Carolina’s nonprofit sector

Together SC, in partnership with the Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston, has released the 2025 South Carolina Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Study—the most comprehensive statewide look at pay, benefits, and workforce sentiment in the nonprofit sector.

This latest study builds on the impactful 2022 research to create a multi-year database, equipping nonprofit leaders with current, South Carolina-specific benchmarks to attract, retain, and develop top talent.

Key findings from the 2025 study include:

• Pay is rising, but challenges remain. Median salaries increased 17% since 2022, yet more than 40% of nonprofits do not pay their lowest-paid employee enough to meet the basic needs of a single adult.
• Persistent equity gaps. White employees earn about $3,400 more annually than Black peers, and male employees earn about $4,200 more than female peers, even after accounting for education, experience, and role.
• Benefits compare well to the private sector. Over 75% of nonprofits offer medical insurance, and dental, vision, PTO, and retirement plan offerings often exceed access rates in similarly sized private employers. Large organizations are far more likely to provide these benefits than smaller ones.
• Flexible work is here to stay. More than 75% offer flexible schedules, and nearly 70% offer remote work—policies largely introduced during the pandemic and retained.
• Positive employee sentiment. More than 60% of nonprofits report high morale, productivity, and retention, with hiring conditions improving since 2022.

“Access to accurate, timely compensation data is vital to sustaining a healthy nonprofit workforce,” said Kenda Stewart, Director of The Joseph P. Riley Jr. Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston. “By partnering with Together SC, we’re ensuring the network has the insights they need to offer competitive and equitable pay and benefits.”

“We are grateful to our members for participating in the study and to the Riley Center for Livable Communities at the College of Charleston for leading this study.  The results and data are highly actionable for all our nonprofit members, so their employees receive appropriate salary and benefits, to ensure job satisfaction and retention,” said Karen Riordan, President and CEO of Together SC.

Report Access & Membership Incentives
Together SC members who completed the 2025 survey receive the full report free (a $350 value). Members who did not participate can purchase the report for $75. Non-members can purchase the report for $350, or $75 if they participated. All survey participants were entered into a drawing for a ticket to the 2026 Nonprofit Summit.

The full 2025 South Carolina Nonprofit Compensation and Benefits Study is now available at www.togethersc.org/compensation-survey

About Together SC
Together SC is the state’s nonprofit network, connecting and strengthening over 1,000 organizations to ensure all South Carolinians thrive. Through member services, technical assistance, inclusive networking, public policy advocacy, and leadership development, Together SC amplifies the voice and collective impact of the nonprofit sector. Guided by its values—Serve, Excel, and Collaborate—Together SC drives accountability, shares best practices, and creates opportunities for learning and connection that unite South Carolina’s vibrant nonprofit community.