Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbia, SC

Updated on May 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $60,522 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $60,522 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $5,044 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $1,164 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $29 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Columbia, SC offers a wide range of salaries across different industries. This city has many job opportunities for those looking to start or advance their careers. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $60,522, which can provide a good living standard.


The distribution of salaries varies by industry. The largest group of workers earns around $22,600, while the top earners make about $205,304. Some of the highest-paying jobs include positions in management, finance, and technology. Here are some of the key industries and their average salaries:

  • Management: $22,600
  • Business and Financial Operations: $39,209
  • Computer and Mathematical: $55,819
  • Architecture and Engineering: $72,428
  • Life, Physical, and Social Science: $89,038
  • Community and Social Service: $105,647
  • Legal: $122,257
  • Educational Services: $138,866
  • Healthcare: $155,476
  • Arts, Entertainment, and Media: $172,085
  • Other Services: $188,695

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

In Columbia, SC, job seekers have access to top-paying opportunities across various fields. Physicians lead the list with an average salary of around $277,803. This highlights the value placed on medical expertise in the area. Following closely, general dentists earn around $244,626, emphasizing the demand for dental professionals. Other high-paying jobs include paramedics, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners, all earning over $100,000 annually. This diverse range of well-compensated roles presents attractive career paths for those with the necessary qualifications and skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $277,803 and School Psychologist with the lowest at $114,760.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $277,803
    Provide medical care to patients. Work in hospitals or private practices. Companies like Prisma Health and MUSC Health offer opportunities.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $244,626
    Perform dental procedures. Work in private or group practices. Companies like DentaQuest and Aspen Dental offer positions.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $210,019
    Provide emergency medical care. Respond to 911 calls. Work for companies like American Medical Response (AMR) and Care Ambulance Service.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $147,403
    Assess and treat mental health conditions. Work in hospitals or private practice. Companies like Kaiser Permanente and LifeStance Health provide job openings.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,101
    Provide healthcare to patients. Work in clinics and hospitals. Opportunities with Prisma Health and MUSC Health are available.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $129,848
    Dispense medications to patients. Work in pharmacies. Companies like CVS Health and Walgreens offer employment.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $125,011
    Develop software applications. Work for tech companies. Companies like IBM and Accenture have openings.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $123,588
    Manage financial operations. Oversee budgets and investments. Companies like Deloitte and KPMG offer roles.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Sales Director
    Average Salary: $115,277
    Lead sales teams. Develop sales strategies. Companies like IBM and Cisco Systems provide positions.
    Find Sales Director jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $114,760
    Support students' mental health. Work in schools. Opportunities with districts and private schools are available.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC

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

Columbia, SC, offers a variety of high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Sales Inspectors lead the pack with an average salary of $77,355 annually. Kitchen Managers also enjoy a strong income of $69,510 per year. Other top-paying positions include Canvassers, earning $46,788 per year, and Loaders, with an average salary of $44,923. Restaurant Managers and Meat Cutters both make around $44,486 annually, providing solid income options for job seekers. Landscapers and Service Team Members earn $37,558 and $37,440, respectively. Lawn Care Technicians and Floor Techs round out the list with average salaries of $36,410 and $33,631. These roles offer rewarding careers without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,355 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $33,631.

  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $77,355
    Sales inspectors check the quality of products. They work in stores and factories. This role involves inspecting products to ensure they meet safety and quality standards. Companies in the area include large retail stores and manufacturing firms.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $69,510
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen staff. They ensure smooth kitchen operations. Their duties include preparing menus, managing orders, and maintaining hygiene. This role is vital in restaurants and food service companies within the city.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $46,788
    Canvassers collect information or promote products. They visit homes or businesses to gather data. This job often involves direct interaction with potential customers or clients. Companies seeking canvassers include survey firms and political campaigns.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Loader
    Average Salary: $44,923
    Loaders move products around. They load and unload trucks or cargo. This role is important in warehouses and logistics companies. Loaders help ensure products are handled properly and delivered on time.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,486
    Restaurant managers run daily operations. They handle staff, orders, and customer service. Their work keeps the restaurant running smoothly. Many local restaurants and cafes need skilled managers to lead their teams.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $38,446
    Meat cutters prepare meat for sale. They cut and package meat products. This job requires attention to detail and a steady hand. Butcher shops and supermarkets in the area need experienced meat cutters.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,558
    Landscapers maintain outdoor spaces. They plant, trim, and care for gardens. This job involves working in parks and private properties. Landscapers keep the city’s outdoor areas looking beautiful and well-kept.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Service Team Member
    Average Salary: $37,440
    Service team members provide support to customers. They assist with inquiries and issues. This role is key in retail and customer service environments. Companies in Columbia, SC, need dedicated service team members to help customers.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $36,410
    Lawn care technicians maintain lawns. They mow, weed, and treat lawns. This job involves working outdoors in various weather conditions. Landscaping companies and homeowners in the city need skilled technicians to maintain their properties.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $33,631
    Floor techs clean and maintain floors. They use various tools and techniques. This role is important in offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. Floor techs help keep indoor environments clean and safe for everyone.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Several companies in Columbia, SC, offer competitive salaries to attract top talent. PwC leads the way with an average salary of around $180,988, making it the highest-paying company in the region. Other notable companies include Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) and Heartland Dental, both providing salaries exceeding $140,000. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Unum also stand out with average salaries around $110,000. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them attractive to job seekers. Companies like Systemtec, Cushman & Wakefield, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, and ATC Healthcare provide solid salaries, averaging between $91,327 and $103,026. Each of these employers contributes to a robust job market in Columbia.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $180,988 and ATC Healthcare with the lowest at $91,327.

  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $180,988
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They provide audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. PwC helps organizations and individuals create the value they’re looking for.


  2. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
    Average Salary: $144,235
    CCI is a top IT consulting firm. They work with businesses to build and manage their IT infrastructure. Their clients rely on them for technology solutions and support.


  3. Heartland Dental
    Average Salary: $142,146
    Heartland Dental is a leader in dental support. They offer administrative and clinical support to dental practices. Their goal is to allow dentists to focus on patient care.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $132,308
    LifeStance Health provides mental health care services. They offer a range of services to help individuals with their mental health needs. Their team of professionals is dedicated to patient care.


  5. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $112,797
    The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency. They protect and defend the United States against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats. The FBI also upholds federal laws.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $112,147
    Unum provides insurance and financial protection services. They help individuals protect against life’s uncertainties. Unum aims to provide security and peace of mind.


  7. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $103,026
    Systemtec offers IT consulting and services. They work with businesses to develop and implement IT solutions. Systemtec helps organizations achieve their technology goals.


  8. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $99,745
    Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate services firm. They provide services such as property management and valuation. The company helps clients make informed real estate decisions.


  9. Advanced Correctional Healthcare
    Average Salary: $99,075
    Advanced Correctional Healthcare offers health services in correctional facilities. They provide medical, dental, and mental health services to inmates. Their focus is on patient care in challenging environments.


  10. ATC Healthcare
    Average Salary: $91,327
    ATC Healthcare provides healthcare staffing solutions. They connect healthcare professionals with job opportunities. ATC Healthcare aims to improve patient care through staffing solutions.

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

Columbia, SC, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The cost of living index in Columbia stands at 93, which means it is 7% cheaper than the national benchmark of 100. Housing costs, in particular, show the largest reduction, with an index of 85. Among specific categories, groceries have a modest premium at 93, while utilities align perfectly with the national average at 100. Healthcare costs also remain close to the average at 98. This balanced profile makes Columbia an attractive option for those seeking affordable living options without significant sacrifices in essential areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 7% lower, utilities 0% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Columbia, South Carolina, offers a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Columbia stands at 92, which is 8% lower than the national average of 100. This index reflects a mix of various living expenses. For example, housing costs in Columbia are 15% lower than the average, making it a more affordable place to live for those seeking to minimize their housing expenses.


Transportation costs in Columbia are also slightly lower, sitting at 95, which is 5% under the national average. This slight decrease can help reduce overall living expenses. Groceries are 7% above the national average, with an index of 93, meaning they are slightly cheaper than in many other areas. Healthcare costs are nearly on par with the national average, with a minor 2% increase. Utilities, on the other hand, align perfectly with the national average, while miscellaneous expenses are 10% lower than the average. These figures provide a clear picture of the cost differences between living in Columbia and other parts of the nation.

There are 3,562 job openings in Columbia, SC, today!

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Columbia, SC
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