South Carolina Life Sciences Sector Hits $20.1 Billion
SCbio data shows the industry's economic activity and job growth outpaced national trends from 2021 to 2025.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Healthcare
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South Carolina's life sciences industry generated an estimated $20.1 billion in economic activity in 2025, supporting 23,499 jobs across 2,811 establishments. Sector employment grew 20.8 percent from 2021 to 2025, compared with 7 percent nationally.
Why it matters
Pharmaceutical manufacturing led the growth, and the sector's pay is well above the state's private-sector average, shaping the economic outlook for South Carolina workers and communities. Octapharma's planned York County facility adds to the state's manufacturing footprint.
Average annual pay in the sector is $109,555, about 73 percent above the state's private-sector average. Research, testing, and medical laboratories subsector jobs grew 52.4 percent in 2025.
The players
SCbio
SCbio is the South Carolina life sciences trade association that compiles economic and employment data for the state's life sciences industry.
Octapharma
Octapharma is a Swiss-based plasma protein therapeutics company selecting York County for its first U.S. manufacturing facility.
The details
Growth was led by pharmaceutical manufacturing, supported by the state's established manufacturing infrastructure, workforce, and business environment. Octapharma announced a $1.5 billion investment in Rock Hill and selected York County for its first U.S. manufacturing facility, with more than 1,500 jobs expected.
Timeline
2021 to 2025: Sector employment growth period measured.
2025: Economic activity and job data compiled by SCbio.
July 2026: Octapharma selected York County for its facility.
Health Landscape
South Carolina's pharmaceutical manufacturing growth reflects regional demand driven by Southeast population growth. The Octapharma investment extends that pattern into new plasma protein production capacity in the state.
Expanded plasma protein manufacturing in South Carolina could affect the supply of therapies that patients rely on over time. The sector's job growth may also influence the availability of skilled health and science roles in the state.
The takeaway
Growth in pharmaceutical manufacturing is creating higher-paying roles across South Carolina's life sciences sector. Readers interested in these careers can track workforce programs and job postings in the state's major research and manufacturing hubs.
Further reading
For related coverage, explore Healthcare reporting on the state's life sciences sector.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Greenville Business Magazine.
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