Salaries in Columbia, SC
What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?
Columbia, SC offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average salary for jobs in Columbia is around $58,177. This figure provides a good starting point to understand the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary based on the industry and the specific role.
Here are some average salaries for different job sectors in Columbia:
- Retail and Food Services: $21,810
- Healthcare: $33,710
- Education: $38,818
- Construction: $54,936
- Information Technology: $71,055
- Finance: $87,173
- Engineering: $103,291
- Management: $119,409
- Legal: $135,527
- Architecture: $151,645
- Science: $167,764
- Executive: $183,882
What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

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Physician
Average Salary: $290,335
Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. Some physicians run their own practices.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $243,346
Dentists focus on oral health. They clean teeth and fix dental problems. Many work in private practices.
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Solar Sales Representative
Average Salary: $156,630
Solar sales representatives sell solar energy systems. They work for solar companies. They meet with potential customers and explain the benefits.
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Clinical Psychologist
Average Salary: $144,453
Clinical psychologists help people with mental health issues. They work in hospitals and private practices. They conduct therapy sessions and assessments.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $139,292
Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose and treat illnesses.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $123,326
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies. They ensure patients get the right medications.
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Psychologist
Average Salary: $113,829
Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They conduct research and provide therapy.
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Finance Manager
Average Salary: $107,451
Finance managers oversee financial health. They work in various industries. They create budgets and analyze financial data.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $104,842
School psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools. They provide counseling and develop intervention plans.
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Traveling Nurse
Average Salary: $103,136
Traveling nurses work in different locations. They provide patient care. They often work in hospitals and clinics.
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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $77,684
Sales inspectors check products for quality and compliance. They work in various industries, including manufacturing and retail. Companies like Amazon and Walmart offer these roles.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $63,135
Kitchen managers oversee daily operations in restaurants. They ensure food quality and staff efficiency. Local chains like Golden Corral and Cracker Barrel hire for these positions.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $59,980
Canvassers promote products or services door-to-door. They engage with customers and gather information. Companies like AT&T and local businesses often hire canvassers.
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Irrigation Technician
Average Salary: $53,661
Irrigation technicians install and maintain watering systems. They work in landscaping and agriculture. Firms like TruGreen and local nurseries provide these jobs.
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Concrete Finisher
Average Salary: $50,834
Concrete finishers shape and smooth concrete. They work on construction sites. Companies like Skanska and local contractors offer these roles.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $44,562
Restaurant managers handle daily operations. They ensure customer satisfaction and staff performance. Chains like Chili's and local eateries hire for these positions.
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Loader
Average Salary: $43,154
Loaders move materials using machinery. They work in warehouses and construction sites. Companies like FedEx and local logistics firms offer these jobs.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $36,014
Meat cutters prepare meat for sale. They work in grocery stores. Local supermarkets and chains like Publix hire for these positions.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $33,650
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They work in parks and private gardens. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms offer these jobs.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $33,385
Lawn care technicians maintain lawns. They work for landscaping companies. Firms like TruGreen and local lawn care services hire for these roles.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

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PwC
Average Salary: $179,032
PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to businesses.
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Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
Average Salary: $144,679
CCI provides IT solutions and consulting services. They help companies with their technology needs and IT infrastructure.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $126,270
LifeStance Health focuses on mental health services. They offer a range of psychiatric and therapy services to patients.
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US Department of Veterans Affairs
Average Salary: $124,387
The Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare and benefits to veterans. They aim to support those who have served in the military.
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Deloitte
Average Salary: $114,837
Deloitte is a leading firm in audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. They work with many large corporations.
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Benevis
Average Salary: $113,550
Benevis offers behavioral health services. They provide treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Average Salary: $111,290
The FBI is a federal agency that protects and defends the United States. They work on criminal investigations and national security.
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CyberCoders
Average Salary: $105,277
CyberCoders is a staffing and recruiting firm. They help companies find tech talent and job seekers find tech jobs.
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Unum
Average Salary: $102,577
Unum provides insurance and financial protection services. They help people protect their income and health.
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Cushman & Wakefield
Average Salary: $99,764
Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. They offer services like property management, leasing, and investment sales.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia stand at 87, indicating that residents spend 13% less than the average American. This lower housing index can be a significant advantage for those looking to settle in Columbia, as it provides more disposable income for other expenses.
In addition to housing, other cost categories also reflect a generally lower cost of living in Columbia. Groceries cost 95, which is 5% below the national average. Utilities are slightly higher at 97, but still only 3% above the average. Transportation costs are at 92, meaning residents spend 8% less than the national average. Healthcare costs are at 91, which is 9% below the average. Miscellaneous expenses are at 98, just 2% above the average. Overall, these figures show that Columbia offers a cost-effective living environment for many essential expenses.