What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?
In Columbia, SC, job seekers can explore a variety of salary ranges across different industries. Many jobs offer competitive pay, and the average yearly salary is $61,222. This average reflects the diversity of career opportunities in the area.
Some of the top-paying sectors include technology, healthcare, and finance. Columbia has a growing number of tech companies that offer salaries above the average. Healthcare positions, such as registered nurses and medical professionals, also provide higher-than-average salaries. Finance jobs, including roles in banking and insurance, are another area where salaries can be above the average.
Other sectors offer a range of salaries. For instance:
- Business and professional services: $55,014 per year
- Manufacturing: $54,009 per year
- Construction: $42,350 per year
- Retail: $38,682 per year
- Education: $32,190 per year
What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

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Physician
Average Salary: $284,937
Physicians diagnose and treat patients. They work in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. Top employers include Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
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General Dentist
Average Salary: $246,573
Dentists provide dental care to patients. They often work in private practices or clinics. Companies like Delta Dental and Dental Care Alliance are prominent in Columbia.
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Paramedic
Average Salary: $218,266
Paramedics respond to medical emergencies. They provide critical care before patients reach hospitals. Employers include American Medical Response and local fire departments.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $141,270
Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They often work in clinics and hospitals. Key employers are Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $130,080
Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients on medications. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. Major employers include CVS Health and Walgreens.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $122,985
Software Engineers design and develop software. They often work for tech companies and IT firms. Notable employers include IBM and Accenture.
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Sales Director
Average Salary: $114,938
Sales Directors lead sales teams and develop strategies. They work in various industries, including tech and healthcare. Employers include IBM and Accenture.
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School Psychologist
Average Salary: $114,784
School Psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools and educational institutions. Key employers include local school districts and private schools.
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Counselor
Average Salary: $108,746
Counselors help individuals with personal issues. They often work in healthcare and community centers. Employers include Prisma Health and local government agencies.
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Programmer
Average Salary: $107,457
Programmers write and test code for software applications. They work in tech companies and IT departments. Notable employers include IBM and Accenture.
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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC without a degree?

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Sales Inspector
Average Salary: $78,552
Work involves inspecting and evaluating sales for businesses in the area. Companies like national retail chains and local stores need this skill. The job requires keen observation and attention to detail.
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Kitchen Manager
Average Salary: $68,667
Kitchen managers keep the kitchen running smoothly. They oversee food preparation and ensure staff follow safety rules. Restaurants and hotels in the city often seek skilled managers.
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Canvasser
Average Salary: $46,274
Canvassers visit homes and businesses to gather information or sell products. This role involves direct interaction with the community. Many local companies and political campaigns hire canvassers.
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Loader
Average Salary: $44,321
Loaders move and position goods for shipping and storage. This job requires physical strength and attention to detail. Warehouses and distribution centers in the area often need loaders.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $43,957
Restaurant managers handle daily operations and staff. They ensure customer satisfaction and smooth service. Many restaurants in the area rely on experienced managers to lead their teams.
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Landscaper
Average Salary: $40,473
Landscapers design and maintain outdoor spaces. This job involves planting, pruning, and maintaining lawns. Many homeowners and businesses in the area need landscaping services.
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Meat Cutter
Average Salary: $38,109
Meat cutters prepare meat for sale. They slice and package meat to customer specifications. Grocery stores and butcher shops hire meat cutters with good knife skills.
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Service Team Member
Average Salary: $36,900
Service team members assist customers and handle orders. They work in various settings like restaurants and retail stores. This role requires good communication skills and a friendly attitude.
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Lawn Care Technician
Average Salary: $35,928
Lawn care technicians maintain lawns and gardens. They mow, weed, and apply fertilizers. Many homeowners and landscaping companies in the area hire lawn care technicians.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $33,965
Floor techs clean and maintain floors. They use various tools and chemicals to clean carpets and hard surfaces. Retail stores and office buildings need floor techs to keep areas clean.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

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PwC
Average Salary: $181,266
PwC is a global company offering auditing, tax, and consulting services. It provides excellent opportunities for career growth and a competitive salary.
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Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
Average Salary: $146,175
CCI specializes in IT consulting services. It offers a dynamic work environment with high pay for skilled professionals.
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Heartland Dental
Average Salary: $143,634
Heartland Dental focuses on providing dental care services. It values its employees and offers attractive compensation packages.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $138,511
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. It offers a supportive workplace with competitive salaries.
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Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Average Salary: $113,814
The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency. It offers job security and a solid salary for those interested in national security.
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Unum
Average Salary: $112,997
Unum provides insurance services. It offers a stable career with a good salary and benefits for its employees.
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Systemtec
Average Salary: $104,193
Systemtec offers IT and consulting services. It provides a good salary and opportunities for professional development.
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Cushman & Wakefield
Average Salary: $98,905
Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. It offers a variety of positions with competitive pay and growth potential.
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Advanced Correctional Healthcare
Average Salary: $98,726
This company provides healthcare services in correctional facilities. It offers stable employment with a decent salary.
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Aspen Dental
Average Salary: $94,064
Aspen Dental offers dental services with a focus on patient care. It provides a good salary and benefits for its staff.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?

Columbia, South Carolina, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. Specifically, the overall cost of living index in Columbia is 95, compared to the national average of 100. This means that most residents find their expenses in Columbia to be about 5% lower than the average American's. This modest decrease is largely due to slightly lower housing costs, which have an index of 92, translating to an 8% reduction from the national average.
In Columbia, areas like groceries and utilities also fall under the national average. Groceries in Columbia have an index of 98, indicating a 2% increase but still remaining relatively affordable. Utilities, with an index of 95, are just 5% below the average. Transportation costs are nearly on par with the national average, with an index of 97, which is a 3% reduction. Healthcare costs, however, are a bit lower, with an index of 90, representing a 10% decrease. Finally, miscellaneous costs in Columbia also have an index of 95, again showing a 5% drop compared to the national average.



