Boeing careers in Charleston SC in 2026: 787 Dreamliner jobs, pay, and how to get hired
Boeing's Charleston, South Carolina campus is one of the company's most important manufacturing sites. Over 6,000 workers assemble 787 Dreamliners here, making it the primary production facility for Boeing's widebody commercial jet program. If you are looking at Boeing careers in Charleston SC, you are looking at a site with steady hiring demand, competitive pay for the region, and a path into one of aerospace's largest employers.
This guide covers what Boeing Charleston does, the types of roles available, pay ranges, benefits, and practical advice on landing a job at the North Charleston campus in 2026.
What Boeing does in Charleston
Boeing's Charleston operation centers on the 787 Dreamliner, the company's carbon-fiber composite widebody aircraft. The North Charleston campus includes:
- Final assembly: Complete 787 aircraft are assembled, systems installed, and aircraft painted
- Aft fuselage fabrication: Sections 47 and 48 of the 787 fuselage are built on site
- Interiors: Passenger cabin installation and configuration
- Delivery center: Completed aircraft are delivered to airline customers from Charleston
The site covers over 1 million square feet of factory space on the former Charleston Air Force Base property. Boeing consolidated all 787 production here after closing the Everett, Washington 787 line, making Charleston the sole source for new Dreamliner deliveries.
Why Charleston matters for Boeing
Charleston is a right-to-work state, and the Boeing workforce here is non-union, unlike the Puget Sound operations represented by the IAM. This affects compensation structures, work rules, and the overall employment dynamic. For workers, it means pay is set by Boeing's internal bands rather than union contracts.
Types of Boeing careers in Charleston SC
Manufacturing and production
The largest category of jobs at Boeing Charleston. These roles build the airplane:
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Structure Mechanic | $22-$35/hr ($46K-$73K) | HS diploma, A&P preferred |
| Composite Fabrication Specialist | $24-$38/hr ($50K-$79K) | Composite layup experience |
| Electrician / Electrical Installer | $25-$38/hr ($52K-$79K) | Journeyman license preferred |
| Quality Inspector | $28-$42/hr ($58K-$87K) | NDT certifications a plus |
| Production Supervisor | $70,000-$95,000 | 3-5 years manufacturing leadership |
Engineering
Engineers at Boeing Charleston work on production support, quality resolution, and design modification:
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing Engineer | $75,000-$110,000 | BS in ME, IE, or AE |
| Structural Engineer | $80,000-$120,000 | BS in AE or ME, composites knowledge |
| Quality Engineer | $75,000-$105,000 | BS in engineering, Six Sigma preferred |
| Systems Engineer | $85,000-$120,000 | BS in EE or systems engineering |
| Software Engineer | $80,000-$115,000 | BS in CS or software engineering |
Support functions
| Role | Typical Pay Range | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Supply Chain Analyst | $60,000-$85,000 | BS in business/supply chain |
| HR Business Partner | $65,000-$90,000 | HR experience, PHR/SPHR preferred |
| Finance Analyst | $65,000-$95,000 | BS in finance/accounting |
| Environmental Health & Safety | $60,000-$85,000 | EHS certification, OSHA knowledge |
| Facilities Maintenance | $22-$35/hr | Trade skills, building systems |
Boeing Charleston pay and benefits
Compensation
Boeing Charleston salaries are competitive for the Charleston metropolitan area, though they run lower than Boeing's Puget Sound or St. Louis operations due to regional cost-of-living differences.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay structure | Salaried (engineering/management) or hourly (production) |
| Annual raises | Merit-based, typically 2-4% |
| Overtime | Available for hourly workers, especially during production ramps |
| Shift differential | Extra pay for second and third shifts |
| Signing bonus | Occasionally offered for hard-to-fill roles |
Benefits package
Boeing offers a comprehensive benefits package to Charleston employees:
- Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision plans with multiple tiers
- 401(k): Boeing matches up to 75% of the first 8% of employee contributions
- Pension: The traditional pension was frozen for new hires; current employees may still accrue
- Tuition assistance: Up to $25,000 per year for approved degree programs
- PTO: Starting at 3 weeks, increasing with tenure
- Employee discounts: Boeing Store, partner companies, and travel
Boeing's tuition assistance program is one of the most generous in the industry. Production workers can earn engineering degrees while employed, creating a clear path from the factory floor to an engineering desk.
How to apply for Boeing careers in Charleston SC
Step 1: Create a Boeing careers profile
All Boeing jobs are posted on boeing.com/careers. Create an account, upload your resume, and set up job alerts for "Charleston, SC" or "North Charleston, SC."
Step 2: Search with the right keywords
Boeing's internal job system uses specific terminology. Search for:
- Location: "North Charleston" or "Charleston, SC"
- Program: "787" for Dreamliner-specific roles
- Job family: "Manufacturing," "Engineering," "Quality," or "Supply Chain"
Step 3: Tailor your application
Boeing uses automated resume screening. Include relevant keywords from the job posting in your resume. For manufacturing roles, emphasize:
- Specific tools and equipment you have used
- Safety certifications and training
- Production metrics you have contributed to
For engineering roles, emphasize:
- Software tools (CATIA, Enovia, SAP, MATLAB)
- Relevant industry standards (AS9100, FAA regulations)
- Composite structures experience if applicable
Step 4: Assessment and interview
Many roles require a HireVue video interview or online assessment. Production roles may include a hands-on skills test. Engineering interviews typically include behavioral questions (STAR format) and technical problem-solving.
Step 5: Background check and drug screening
Boeing requires pre-employment drug screening and background checks for all positions. Some roles require a security clearance, though most 787 commercial positions do not.
Cost of living in Charleston SC
One of the biggest advantages of Boeing careers in Charleston SC is the cost of living. Compared to Boeing's other major sites:
| Location | Median Home Price (2026 est.) | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| North Charleston, SC | ~$320,000 | 98 (near national avg) |
| Everett/Seattle, WA | ~$700,000 | 156 |
| St. Louis, MO | ~$240,000 | 88 |
| Huntsville, AL | ~$290,000 | 90 |
A Boeing engineer making $95,000 in Charleston has purchasing power roughly equivalent to someone making $130,000 in the Seattle area. Add in lower state income tax rates and affordable housing, and Charleston becomes financially attractive.
Living in the Charleston area
- North Charleston: Closest to the Boeing campus, most affordable housing
- Summerville: Growing suburb 25 minutes northwest, popular with Boeing families
- Mount Pleasant: East of the Cooper River, nicer but more expensive
- Downtown Charleston: Historic district, higher rents, longer commute to the campus
Charleston Boeing site: culture and work environment
Boeing Charleston's culture differs from other Boeing sites in several ways:
- Non-union environment: Work rules and compensation are set by Boeing management, not collective bargaining
- Production focus: The site revolves around aircraft assembly, so manufacturing drives the schedule
- Quality emphasis: After well-publicized quality concerns in previous years, Boeing has invested heavily in quality systems, inspection processes, and employee training
- Growth trajectory: The production rate increase means new hires and expanding teams, which can create advancement opportunities
The site operates multiple shifts, and production workers should expect rotating schedules, overtime during ramp periods, and weekend work when delivery deadlines are tight.
Frequently asked questions
Does Boeing Charleston require a security clearance?
Most 787 commercial program roles do not require a security clearance. However, some positions supporting military or classified programs at the site may require one.
Is Boeing Charleston hiring in 2026?
Yes. The 787 production rate increase has driven steady hiring across manufacturing, quality, and engineering roles. Check boeing.com/careers with the Charleston location filter for current openings.
What is the Boeing Charleston interview process like?
Typically: online application, automated screening, HireVue video interview or phone screen, on-site interview, and offer. The process takes 3-8 weeks depending on the role and hiring urgency.
Can I transfer to Charleston from another Boeing site?
Yes, Boeing supports internal transfers. Current Boeing employees can apply to Charleston positions through the internal job portal. Internal candidates often receive priority consideration.
Are there Boeing internships in Charleston?
Boeing offers summer internships at the Charleston site, primarily in engineering and business functions. Applications typically open in the fall for the following summer. Check internship openings for current listings.
Explore Boeing and aerospace careers
Boeing Charleston is one of many entry points into the aerospace industry. Browse Boeing careers across all locations on Zero G Talent, or explore other aerospace employers in the Southeast. You can also search for aerospace engineering jobs, manufacturing roles, and quality assurance positions across the industry.
