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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $59,617 per year.

Columbia, SC, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $59,617. This figure reflects a diverse job market with many sectors contributing to the overall income levels.

The salary distribution in Columbia shows a range of earnings across different industries. The highest percentage of jobs, 34.13%, falls within the $22,650 to $39,341 range. Other significant percentages include 21.96% of jobs earning between $39,341 and $56,032, and 13.63% earning between $56,032 and $72,723. These figures indicate a broad spectrum of earning potentials, making Columbia an attractive place for job seekers looking for a good balance of opportunities and compensation.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers a range of top-paying jobs for professionals. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $298,190. General Dentists also earn well, with an average salary of $244,682. These positions demand high levels of education and training, but they offer excellent compensation. Other high-paying jobs in Columbia include roles like Solar Sales Representatives, Clinical Psychologists, and Nurse Practitioners. Solar Sales Representatives earn an average of $162,912, while Clinical Psychologists make $144,640. Nurse Practitioners earn $139,858 on average. These jobs require specialized skills and often involve working with the public or in healthcare settings. They provide a good balance of job satisfaction and financial rewards.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $298,190 and Counselor with the lowest at $107,594.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $298,190
    Doctors in Columbia work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat patients. They often work with Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $244,682
    Dentists provide oral care. They work in private practices and clinics. They often work with local dental groups and health centers.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $162,912
    Sales reps sell solar energy systems. They work for companies like SunPower and Vivint Solar. They often meet with homeowners and businesses.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $144,640
    Psychologists help people with mental health issues. They work in clinics and hospitals. They often work with organizations like the Columbia Counseling Center.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $139,858
    Nurse practitioners provide primary care. They work in clinics and hospitals. They often work with Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $127,376
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies. They often work with CVS and Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $114,814
    Psychologists study human behavior. They work in schools, clinics, and private practices. They often work with local universities and counseling centers.
    Find Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $113,565
    School psychologists help students with emotional and behavioral issues. They work in schools. They often work with the local school district.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $109,849
    Software engineers design and develop software. They work for tech companies. They often work with firms like IBM and Accenture.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $107,594
    Counselors help people with personal issues. They work in clinics and schools. They often work with local counseling centers and non-profits.
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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. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $78,207. Kitchen Managers and Canvassers also earn strong salaries, with averages of $64,333 and $56,959, respectively. Other well-paying positions include Irrigation Technicians, Concrete Finishers, and Restaurant Managers. These jobs provide good earnings and valuable experience. Lawn Care Technicians, Landscapers, Meat Cutters, and Loaders also offer competitive salaries. These roles can be a great start for those seeking to build a career without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $78,207 and Landscaper with the lowest at $33,244.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $78,207
    This role involves inspecting sales and ensuring compliance with regulations. Companies like ABC Sales and XYZ Inspections offer opportunities. Inspectors work closely with sales teams to maintain high standards.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $64,333
    Kitchen managers oversee daily operations in restaurants. They coordinate with chefs and staff to ensure smooth service. Local restaurants such as The Bistro and City Diner provide career growth and experience.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $56,959
    Canvassers gather information and promote products or services. They work for companies like Columbia Marketing and Local Outreach. This role involves meeting new people and understanding community needs.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $53,577
    Irrigation technicians install and maintain irrigation systems. They work for landscape companies and golf courses. This job requires knowledge of water systems and outdoor work.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $51,173
    Concrete finishers shape and finish concrete surfaces. They work on construction sites for firms like BuildRight and Columbia Construction. This role involves manual labor and attention to detail.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,094
    Restaurant managers handle daily operations and staff. They work in various dining establishments. This position requires strong leadership and customer service skills.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Loader
    Average Salary: $43,932
    Loaders move materials and products. They work in warehouses and distribution centers. Companies like Supply Chain Solutions and Columbia Logistics offer this role.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,262
    Meat cutters prepare meat for sale. They work in grocery stores and butcher shops. This job involves precision and knowledge of meat cuts.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $34,011
    Lawn care technicians maintain lawns and gardens. They work for landscaping companies. This role requires outdoor work and attention to detail.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $33,244
    Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. They work for landscaping firms. This job involves creativity and physical labor.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Job seekers in Columbia, SC, can find attractive salary opportunities with several top companies. PwC leads the pack with an average salary of $179,813, offering competitive compensation for its employees. Other notable companies include Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) and LifeStance Health, both of which provide average salaries above $100,000. Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Benevis offer solid average salaries of $110,990 and $112,272, respectively. Companies like Unum, CyberCoders, and gpac also provide strong compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $103,923 to $106,770. These companies offer promising career paths for those seeking well-paying jobs in Columbia.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $179,813 and Cushman & Wakefield with the lowest at $99,539.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $179,813
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, tax, and consulting services. They value innovation and teamwork.


  2. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
    Average Salary: $145,176
    CCI provides IT consulting and staffing solutions. They focus on helping businesses with their technology needs. They are known for their strong client relationships.


  3. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $129,318
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They aim to provide accessible and high-quality care. Their team includes psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors.


  4. Benevis
    Average Salary: $112,272
    Benevis is a healthcare company. They specialize in behavioral health and addiction treatment. They focus on patient care and recovery.


  5. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $110,990
    The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency. They protect the nation from terrorist and criminal threats. They are known for their dedication to public safety.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $106,770
    Unum provides insurance and financial services. They focus on helping people protect their income and health. They are committed to customer service.


  7. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $105,932
    CyberCoders is a staffing company. They connect tech professionals with job opportunities. They focus on technology and innovation.


  8. gpac
    Average Salary: $103,944
    gpac is a staffing and recruiting firm. They place candidates in various industries. They are known for their personalized service.


  9. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $103,923
    Systemtec offers IT services and solutions. They help businesses with their technology needs. They focus on quality and customer satisfaction.


  10. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $99,539
    Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. They provide consulting, brokerage, and valuation services. They are known for their expertise in real estate.

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

The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is notably lower than the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index for Columbia stands at 91, which is 9% lower than the national benchmark of 100. This reduction in cost is particularly evident in housing, where the index is at 83, reflecting a 17% decrease. Despite minor variations in other categories like groceries and utilities, the general trend shows a lower cost of living in Columbia, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 17% lower, groceries 6% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 3% lower.

The cost of living in Columbia, SC, presents a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia stand at 83, indicating that residents can expect to pay about 17% less than the national average. This reduction in housing expenses can be a significant advantage for those relocating to Columbia, offering more affordability in one of the most critical areas of living expenses.


In other categories, Columbia also shows competitive figures. Groceries cost 94, which is 6% less than the national average. Utilities are priced at 95, just 5% above the average. Transportation costs are at 92, which is 8% below the national average. Healthcare expenses are slightly lower at 88, representing 12% less than the average. Miscellaneous costs are slightly higher, at 97, which is 3% more than the national average. Overall, these figures suggest that Columbia offers a cost of living that is generally lower than the national average, making it an attractive option for many job seekers and families.

There are 4,539 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
4,539 Job Openings