Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbia, SC

Updated on Sep 14, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $62,146 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $62,146 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $5,179 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $1,195 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbia, SC, showing an average salary of $30 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Columbia, SC offers a variety of salaries across different job sectors. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $62,146. This figure highlights the potential earnings for many job seekers. Salaries range widely, which provides opportunities for those in various industries.

Key industries in Columbia include healthcare, education, and retail. Top earners work in healthcare, with salaries reaching up to $188,731 per year. Other high-paying fields are education and finance, with average salaries of $155,585 and $139,012, respectively. Even lower-paying jobs, like those in retail, can offer a stable income, with average salaries around $23,000 per year. This variety makes Columbia a good place for different job seekers.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC offers many high-paying job opportunities. Physicians earn the most, with an average salary of $283,841. Other top jobs include general dentists, paramedics, and solution architects. These roles provide competitive salaries and valuable career growth. Experienced professionals in roles like finance managers, nurse practitioners, and architects also find lucrative opportunities in Columbia. Pharmacists, software engineers, and school psychologists earn attractive salaries, too. Columbia's diverse job market offers stability and good compensation. Those in these high-paying fields can expect rewarding careers in the area.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $283,841 and School Psychologist with the lowest at $115,890.

  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $283,841
    Doctors in Columbia diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics like Prisma Health and MUSC Health. Physicians help people get better and stay healthy.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $256,010
    Dentists focus on oral health. They clean teeth and fix dental problems. You will find them in practices like DentaMax and Smile Columbia. Dentists help prevent and treat dental issues.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Paramedic
    Average Salary: $226,976
    Paramedics respond to emergencies. They provide urgent care on-site and transport patients. They work with American Medical Response and Richland County EMS. Paramedics save lives every day.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Solution Architect
    Average Salary: $154,204
    They design systems to solve business problems. Solution Architects work for companies like IBM and Accenture. They create solutions that help businesses run smoothly.
    Find Solution Architect jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $138,962
    They oversee financial health. Finance Managers work at firms like Deloitte and KPMG. They make sure budgets are balanced and finances are managed well.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,467
    Nurse Practitioners provide healthcare. They work in clinics and hospitals, such as Prisma Health and MUSC Health. They see patients, prescribe medicine, and offer health advice.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Architect
    Average Salary: $134,773
    Architects design buildings. They work with firms like Clark Nexsen and Turner. Their designs shape the city's skyline and create functional spaces.
    Find Architect jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $130,519
    Pharmacists dispense medication. They work in pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS. Pharmacists ensure patients get the right medicines and advice.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $126,893
    Software Engineers create software solutions. They work for tech companies like IBM and Accenture. Their work improves how software functions and performs.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $115,890
    School Psychologists support students' mental health. They work in schools like Richland One and Lexington Two. They help students learn and grow emotionally and academically.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC

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

Columbia, SC, offers several well-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Roles such as Sales Inspector, Loader, and Canvasser stand out with competitive salaries. These positions provide opportunities for earning a good income without needing formal education, allowing individuals to advance their careers efficiently. Additionally, jobs like Landscaper, Meat Cutter, and Lawn Care Technician also offer solid pay. These roles focus on hands-on skills and practical experience, making them accessible to many job seekers. By choosing any of these jobs, individuals can secure a stable income and build a rewarding career in Columbia, SC.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Loader with the highest at $44,779 and Landscaper with the lowest at $38,253.

  1. Loader
    Average Salary: $44,779
    Helps move materials and products for businesses like grocery stores and warehouses. Key players in logistics and supply chains. Companies like Publix and Walmart provide plenty of opportunities.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $43,952
    Collects payments, installs services, or gathers information. Works directly with customers and businesses. Engages with local companies and banks, ensuring job stability.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $38,253
    Maintains lawns, gardens, and outdoor spaces. Involves both physical work and creativity. Companies like TruGreen and local landscaping firms offer many positions.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Job seekers in Columbia, SC, can find lucrative opportunities at several top companies. PwC leads with an impressive average salary of $181,346, offering a range of benefits and career growth. Computer Consultants International, Inc. follows closely, with an average salary of $145,781, providing competitive pay and professional development. Other notable employers include Heartland Dental, LifeStance Health, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, all of which offer salaries over $137,000. These companies provide excellent benefits and a supportive work environment. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Scout Motors Inc., Unum, Southern National Roofing, and Voyage Healthcare also offer competitive compensation packages for their employees.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,346 and Voyage Healthcare with the lowest at $106,865.

  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $181,346
    PwC is a leading professional services firm, offering assurance, tax, and consulting services. Employees benefit from career growth and a supportive environment.


  2. Computer Consultants International, Inc.
    Average Salary: $145,781
    Computer Consultants International, Inc. provides technology services and solutions to businesses. It offers a dynamic workplace with good compensation.


  3. Heartland Dental
    Average Salary: $143,754
    Heartland Dental is a dental support organization that offers administrative and clinical services. It focuses on employee well-being and career development.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $138,342
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services across the U.S. It values its staff and offers competitive salaries and benefits.


  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $137,639
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers various services to veterans. It is known for its mission-driven work and comprehensive benefits.


  6. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $114,453
    The FBI is a federal law enforcement agency. It is a prestigious organization with a strong focus on national security.


  7. Scout Motors Inc.
    Average Salary: $112,694
    Scout Motors Inc. is an automotive company focused on electric vehicles. It offers innovative projects and a forward-thinking work culture.


  8. Unum
    Average Salary: $111,786
    Unum provides employee benefits and insurance. It is a well-established company known for its strong benefits package.


  9. Southern National Roofing
    Average Salary: $107,371
    Southern National Roofing offers roofing services. It values skilled workers and provides a stable work environment.


  10. Voyage Healthcare
    Average Salary: $106,865
    Voyage Healthcare is a healthcare staffing agency. It focuses on matching healthcare professionals with facilities across the country.

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

The cost of living index in Columbia, South Carolina, is generally lower than the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Columbia scores 85 in the housing sector, indicating housing costs are 15% lower. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are also slightly below the average, at 95 and 90, respectively. Healthcare costs match the national average, while miscellaneous expenses are also at 90. For job seekers, this means living in Columbia can be more affordable compared to other places. Overall, the cost of living in Columbia is 93, which is 7% less than the national average. This makes Columbia an attractive option for those looking to save on expenses while maintaining a good quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

Columbia, SC, presents a cost of living that is below the nationwide average. The cost of housing in Columbia stands at 85, which is 15% lower than the national average. Job seekers can expect to save on rent or mortgage payments, making housing more affordable compared to other areas. This significant reduction provides a financial advantage for those relocating to Columbia.


Other expenses, such as groceries and utilities, are also more affordable in Columbia. Groceries cost 95, which is 5% below the national average of 100. Similarly, utilities stand at 95, again 5% below the average. These savings add up, making daily living expenses more manageable. Additionally, transportation costs 90, 10% less than the national average, offering more budget flexibility. Healthcare, however, matches the national average at 100, suggesting no significant savings or added costs in this area. Overall, Columbia offers various cost advantages, which can be quite beneficial for individuals and families.

There are 3,107 job openings in Columbia, SC, today!

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Columbia, SC
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