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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $59,721 per year.

Columbia, SC, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $59,721. This figure provides a good overview of the earning potential in the area. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and the specific role.


Job seekers in Columbia can find competitive pay in several sectors. The top-paying industries include finance, healthcare, and technology. For example, finance professionals can earn around $122,841 per year, while healthcare workers might see salaries up to $139,523 annually. Technology roles also offer attractive salaries, with some positions reaching up to $156,205 per year. These figures highlight the diverse earning potential available in Columbia.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers a range of high-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $286,278. General dentists also earn well, with an average salary of $243,297. Paramedics, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners follow closely, each earning over $100,000 annually. Other top-paying jobs in Columbia include pharmacists, software engineers, and various types of psychologists. These positions offer competitive salaries, with pharmacists earning around $128,000 and software engineers making about $118,000. These careers provide excellent opportunities for those with the right skills and qualifications.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $286,278 and Counselor with the lowest at $111,576.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $286,278
    Doctors in Columbia work in hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They often work with Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $243,297
    Dentists in Columbia focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and clinics. Many dentists are part of the South Carolina Dental Association.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $158,221
    Paramedics in Columbia respond to emergencies. They provide medical care on the scene. They work for local fire departments and private ambulance services. They often work with Richland County Fire Rescue.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $144,736
    Clinical psychologists in Columbia help people with mental health issues. They conduct therapy sessions and assessments. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. Many work with the South Carolina Department of Mental Health.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $139,611
    Nurse practitioners in Columbia provide primary care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They often work in clinics and hospitals. They frequently collaborate with Prisma Health and MUSC Health.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $128,752
    Pharmacists in Columbia fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure medications are safe and effective. They often work with CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $118,362
    Software engineers in Columbia develop applications and software. They work in tech companies and startups. They often collaborate with companies like IBM and Cisco. They focus on creating efficient and user-friendly software.
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  8. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $114,314
    Psychologists in Columbia study human behavior. They conduct research and provide therapy. They work in universities, hospitals, and private practices. They often work with the University of South Carolina.
    Find Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $112,775
    School psychologists in Columbia support students' mental health. They work in schools and provide counseling. They help students with learning and emotional challenges. They often collaborate with the Richland County School District.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Counselor
    Average Salary: $111,576
    Counselors in Columbia help people with personal issues. They provide therapy and support. They work in private practices, schools, and clinics. They often work with the South Carolina Counseling Association.
    Find Counselor 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 degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $77,836. Kitchen Managers and Concrete Finishers also earn strong salaries, with averages of $65,512 and $51,543, respectively. Other well-paying positions include Canvassers, Loaders, and Restaurant Managers. These roles provide good earning potential and valuable opportunities for those seeking to enter the workforce without a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,836 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $32,828.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $77,836
    This role involves inspecting sales practices. It requires keen attention to detail. Companies like ABC Sales and XYZ Inspections offer opportunities in this field.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $65,512
    Manage kitchen operations. Oversee staff and ensure smooth service. Work at top restaurants like The Gourmet Bistro and City Diner.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $51,543
    Prepare and finish concrete surfaces. Use tools to smooth and shape concrete. Companies like BuildRight and Concrete Solutions need skilled finishers.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $51,201
    Promote products or services door-to-door. Engage with customers and gather feedback. Work with local businesses and marketing firms.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Loader
    Average Salary: $44,728
    Load and unload materials. Operate machinery to move goods. Opportunities exist at warehouses and logistics companies.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,307
    Oversee daily operations. Manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. Work at popular eateries like The Local Grill and Diner Delights.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,473
    Cut and package meat. Follow safety and quality standards. Work in grocery stores or butcher shops.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $35,695
    Maintain outdoor spaces. Plant, prune, and care for plants. Companies like Green Thumb Landscaping offer many opportunities.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $34,457
    Maintain lawns and gardens. Mow, trim, and water plants. Work for local landscaping services.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $32,828
    Clean and maintain floors. Use machines and chemicals for deep cleaning. Opportunities are available in commercial and residential settings.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Job seekers in Columbia, SC, can find attractive salaries at several top companies. PwC leads the pack with an average salary of $181,102. Following closely, Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) offers an average salary of $145,979. These companies provide competitive compensation and opportunities for career growth. Other notable employers include LifeStance Health, Benevis, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), each offering average salaries above $100,000. Unum, gpac, and CyberCoders also provide solid compensation packages, making them attractive options for professionals. Companies like Systemtec and Cushman & Wakefield round out the list with competitive salaries, offering various benefits and growth opportunities.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,102 and Cushman & Wakefield with the lowest at $97,670.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,102
    PwC is a global leader in professional services. They offer audit, assurance, consulting, and tax services. They value innovation and teamwork.


  2. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI)
    Average Salary: $145,979
    CCI is a technology consulting firm. They provide IT solutions and services to businesses. They focus on delivering quality and efficiency.


  3. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $131,804
    LifeStance Health is a mental health care company. They offer therapy and psychiatry services. They aim to improve patient care and outcomes.


  4. Benevis
    Average Salary: $115,493
    Benevis is a behavioral health care provider. They offer treatment for addiction and mental health issues. They focus on patient-centered care.


  5. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $110,452
    The FBI is a federal agency. They protect and defend the U.S. against threats. They work on criminal investigations and national security.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $108,963
    Unum is an insurance provider. They offer life, disability, and critical illness insurance. They focus on helping people protect their financial future.


  7. gpac
    Average Salary: $106,830
    gpac is a recruitment firm. They help companies find the right talent. They focus on building strong relationships with clients and candidates.


  8. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $106,495
    CyberCoders is a tech recruitment company. They connect tech companies with skilled professionals. They focus on matching the right talent with the right job.


  9. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $102,894
    Systemtec is a technology company. They offer IT services and solutions. They focus on delivering quality and efficiency to their clients.


  10. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $97,670
    Cushman & Wakefield is a real estate services firm. They offer property management, leasing, and investment services. They focus on delivering value to their clients.

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

The cost of living index in Columbia, SC, shows a generally lower cost compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia are 15% below the national average, while groceries and healthcare are slightly below at 5% and 8%, respectively. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses are also lower, with utilities at 3% below average, transportation at 10% below, and miscellaneous costs at 12% below. This data suggests that living in Columbia can be more affordable in several key areas.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 3% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 12% 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 85, indicating that residents spend 15% less than the national average on housing. This lower cost can be particularly appealing to job seekers looking to maximize their savings or invest in other areas of their budget.


In addition to housing, the cost of groceries in Columbia is slightly below the national average, with an index of 95. This means that groceries cost 5% less than the average American city. Utilities, another significant expense, are at 97, which is just 3% above the national average. Transportation costs in Columbia are at 90, meaning they are 10% lower than the nationwide average. Healthcare costs, which are often a major concern, are at 92, indicating a 2% lower cost compared to the national average. Miscellaneous expenses, which include items like clothing, entertainment, and personal care, are at 88, reflecting an 8% savings compared to the national average. Overall, Columbia offers a cost-effective living environment for many essential expenses.

There are 3,725 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
3,725 Job Openings