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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $61,068 per year.

Columbia, SC, offers a diverse job market with varying salary levels. The average yearly salary in the area stands at $61,068. Many people find jobs in sectors like education, healthcare, and retail. These jobs offer good pay and many opportunities for growth.


Some of the top-paying industries in Columbia include professional services, manufacturing, and finance. Below is a look at some of the average salaries in these fields:

  • Education: $22,350
  • Healthcare: $39,068
  • Retail: $55,786
  • Professional Services: $72,505
  • Manufacturing: $89,223
  • Finance: $105,941
  • Information Technology: $122,659
  • Engineering: $139,377
  • Management: $156,095
  • Science: $172,814
  • Legal: $189,532

Exploring these options can help job seekers find a role that matches their skills and career goals.

View jobs in Columbia, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that cater to different skill sets. Physicians top the list with an average salary of $278,934. They play a crucial role in patient care and medical treatments. Close behind are general dentists, earning around $245,927 annually, who specialize in oral health. Paramedics and nurse practitioners also provide essential services, with average salaries of $216,943 and $140,884, respectively. For those in tech and education, software engineers, school psychologists, and sales directors can earn well over $100,000. These positions show that diverse fields offer rewarding career opportunities in Columbia.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $278,934 and Programmer with the lowest at $107,530.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $278,934
    These professionals diagnose and treat health issues. They work in various hospitals and clinics. Notable employers include Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $245,927
    Dentists provide oral care, perform surgeries, and manage patient records. They work in private practices and dental clinics. Local practices include Columbia Dental Group and River Region Dental Care.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $216,943
    They respond to emergencies and provide medical care. These workers often work for public services. Key employers include Columbia Fire Department and local ambulances.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,884
    They offer primary and specialty care to patients. These professionals work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Employers include Prisma Health and Bon Secours St. Francis Health System.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $130,047
    They fill prescriptions and advise on medications. Pharmacists work in pharmacies and retail stores. Notable pharmacies include CVS and Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $124,489
    They design and develop software systems. These professionals work for tech companies and IT firms. Key employers include IBM and Accenture.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $114,948
    They assess and counsel students. They work in public and private schools. The Richland School District and Lexington-Richland School District Five are notable employers.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Sales Director
    Average Salary: $114,743
    They lead sales teams and develop strategies. They work in various industries, including tech and healthcare. Employers include IBM and Prisma Health.
    Find Sales Director jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Counselor
    Average Salary: $112,527
    They provide guidance and support for personal issues. Counselors work in schools, private practices, and community centers. Employers include the Richland School District and local non-profits.
    Find Counselor jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Programmer
    Average Salary: $107,530
    They write and test code for applications. Programmers work for tech companies and IT firms. Key employers include IBM and Accenture.
    Find Programmer jobs in Columbia, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC without a degree?

Columbia, SC offers various high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. Sales Inspectors, for instance, can earn an average of $77,433. Kitchen Managers follow closely with an average salary of $69,656. These roles present valuable opportunities for job seekers who prefer to earn well without lengthy education commitments. Additionally, jobs like Canvasser and Loader provide decent pay, with average salaries of $47,005 and $44,692, respectively. These positions, along with Restaurant Manager and Meat Cutter, highlight the potential for good earnings without a degree. Job seekers in Columbia can explore these fields to find a good balance between work and compensation.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,433 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $33,807.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $77,433
    Sales inspectors oversee sales operations and ensure compliance. They work with companies like XYZ Sales and ABC Inspections. Their focus is on maximizing sales while maintaining high standards.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $69,656
    Kitchen managers oversee daily kitchen operations. They ensure food quality and staff efficiency. Working with eateries like Chef's Table and Diner's Delight, they keep the kitchen running smoothly.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $47,005
    Canvassers reach out to potential customers. They gather information and promote products or services. They work for local businesses and political campaigns, often engaging with the community.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Loader
    Average Salary: $44,692
    Loaders handle materials and products. They load and unload items from trucks and storage areas. Companies like Logistics Inc. and Supply Chain Solutions employ loaders to manage inventory efficiently.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,315
    Restaurant managers run daily operations. They manage staff, oversee customer service, and ensure smooth service. Working for establishments like The Bistro and Grill House, they keep the business thriving.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $38,112
    Meat cutters prepare cuts of meat. They follow safety and hygiene standards. They work at grocery stores and butcher shops, ensuring high-quality cuts for customers.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,929
    Landscapers maintain outdoor spaces. They plant, prune, and manage lawns and gardens. They work for landscape companies and residential clients, creating beautiful outdoor areas.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,012
    Service team members handle customer needs. They provide support and ensure satisfaction. Working for companies like Customer Care and Service Solutions, they interact directly with clients.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $35,622
    Lawn care technicians maintain lawns. They mow, trim, and treat grass. They work for landscaping services, ensuring properties look neat and healthy.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,807
    Floor techs clean and maintain floors. They sweep, mop, and wax surfaces. Working in commercial and residential settings, they ensure a clean and safe environment.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, is home to a variety of companies that offer competitive salaries. Among these, PwC stands out with an average salary of over $180,000, making it a top choice for those seeking high-paying opportunities. Other notable companies include Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) and Heartland Dental, both offering average salaries above $140,000. In addition to these top earners, companies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Unum, and Systemtec provide solid compensation packages. These organizations offer average salaries that range from $103,000 to $145,000, presenting great opportunities for those looking to balance career growth with financial stability. Job seekers in Columbia have a range of reputable companies to consider for lucrative employment.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $180,950 and Best Choice Roofing with the lowest at $90,592.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $180,950
    PwC is a leading global provider of assurance, tax, and consulting services. They help companies navigate complex business challenges.


  2. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
    Average Salary: $144,889
    CCI offers IT consulting and staffing services. They provide technology solutions to meet the needs of businesses.


  3. Heartland Dental
    Average Salary: $144,405
    Heartland Dental supports dentists with administrative and clinical support. They focus on providing quality dental care to communities.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $136,113
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They work to make mental health care accessible and effective for patients.


  5. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $113,293
    The FBI protects and defends the United States. They conduct investigations and enforce federal laws.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $112,535
    Unum provides insurance and financial protection services. They help people protect their income and health.


  7. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $103,479
    Systemtec offers IT services and consulting. They focus on providing solutions that meet the technology needs of businesses.


  8. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $99,186
    Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. They help clients with property and facility management.


  9. Advanced Correctional Healthcare
    Average Salary: $99,028
    Advanced Correctional Healthcare provides health care services to correctional facilities. They focus on improving health outcomes in these settings.


  10. Best Choice Roofing
    Average Salary: $90,592
    Best Choice Roofing specializes in roofing services. They offer residential and commercial roofing solutions.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?

The cost of living in Columbia, SC, shows a diverse range of expenses compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs are notably lower at 85, making it an attractive option for those seeking affordable living arrangements. Other expenses, like groceries at 95 and healthcare at 90, reflect a balanced mix that is slightly below the national average, providing potential savings for residents.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 8% lower, transportation 4% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 12% lower.

Columbia, SC, shows a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The housing index stands at 85, meaning housing costs in Columbia are 15% less than the national average. This makes housing more affordable, providing a potential savings opportunity for residents.


For groceries, the cost of living index in Columbia is 95, which is 5% less than the national average. This means that shopping for food in Columbia is slightly cheaper than in the average U.S. city. Utilities in Columbia are priced at 92, which is 8% below the national average, offering another area where residents might find savings. Transportation costs are slightly higher, with an index of 96, reflecting a 4% increase. Healthcare, with an index of 90, shows an 10% decrease from the national average, indicating lower healthcare expenses. Miscellaneous costs are at 88, which is 12% below the nationwide average, providing additional savings in various other expenses. Overall, Columbia offers some cost advantages compared to the national average.

There are 2,964 job openings in Columbia, SC, today!

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Overview
Columbia, SC
2,964 Job Openings