Salaries in Columbia, SC

Updated on Jun 05, 2025
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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $58,177 per year.

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
These figures show that higher education and specialized skills can lead to better-paying jobs.

View jobs in Columbia, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Physicians, particularly general dentists, lead the way with top salaries. Other well-compensated positions include solar sales representatives, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners. These roles not only provide financial rewards but also offer the chance to make a significant impact in the community.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $290,335 and Traveling Nurse with the lowest at $103,136.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $290,335
    Physicians diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. Some physicians run their own practices.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $243,346
    Dentists focus on oral health. They clean teeth and fix dental problems. Many work in private practices.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. 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.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. 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.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $139,292
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They diagnose and treat illnesses.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $123,326
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies. They ensure patients get the right medications.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. 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.
    Find Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $107,451
    Finance managers oversee financial health. They work in various industries. They create budgets and analyze financial data.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $104,842
    School psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools. They provide counseling and develop intervention plans.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $103,136
    Traveling nurses work in different locations. They provide patient care. They often work in hospitals and clinics.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, SC

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

Columbia, SC, offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a college degree. These roles provide good earning potential and valuable work experience. Sales Inspectors, Kitchen Managers, and Canvassers top the list, with average annual salaries of $77,684, $63,135, and $59,980, respectively. Other well-paying jobs include Irrigation Technicians, Concrete Finishers, and Restaurant Managers. These positions offer salaries ranging from $53,661 to $44,562 per year. Loaders, Meat Cutters, Landscapers, and Lawn Care Technicians also provide competitive wages, making them attractive options for job seekers in Columbia.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,684 and Lawn Care Technician with the lowest at $33,385.
  1. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. 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.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. 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.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. 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.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. 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.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. 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.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Job seekers in Columbia, SC, can find attractive salaries with several top companies. PwC leads the way with an average salary of $179,032, offering competitive compensation for skilled professionals. Other notable employers include Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) and LifeStance Health, both providing salaries above $100,000. These companies demonstrate a commitment to rewarding their employees well. Deloitte, Benevis, and the US Department of Veterans Affairs also offer salaries that exceed $100,000. These opportunities make Columbia an appealing place for those seeking both quality employment and a strong income.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $179,032 and Cushman & Wakefield with the lowest at $99,764.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $179,032
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services to businesses.


  2. 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.


  3. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $126,270
    LifeStance Health focuses on mental health services. They offer a range of psychiatric and therapy services to patients.


  4. 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.


  5. Deloitte
    Average Salary: $114,837
    Deloitte is a leading firm in audit, consulting, financial advisory, and tax services. They work with many large corporations.


  6. Benevis
    Average Salary: $113,550
    Benevis offers behavioral health services. They provide treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues.


  7. 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.


  8. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $105,277
    CyberCoders is a staffing and recruiting firm. They help companies find tech talent and job seekers find tech jobs.


  9. Unum
    Average Salary: $102,577
    Unum provides insurance and financial protection services. They help people protect their income and health.


  10. 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 index in Columbia, SC, shows that residents experience a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living is 93, which is 7% below the national average of 100. This means that, on average, expenses in Columbia are slightly more affordable. In Columbia, housing costs 13% less than the national average, while groceries are only 5% less. Utilities and transportation are slightly below the average, at 3% and 8% less, respectively. Healthcare costs are 9% less, and miscellaneous expenses are 2% higher. This data suggests that living in Columbia can be more budget-friendly for many essential expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 9% lower, miscellaneous 2% lower.

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.

There are 5,785 job openings in Columbia, SC, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Columbia, SC

Discover what it's like to work in Columbia, SC. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
Overview
Columbia, SC
5,785 Job Openings