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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $59,491 per year.

Columbia, South Carolina, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $59,491. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape of the city, which includes sectors like healthcare, education, and technology.

The salary distribution in Columbia shows a range of earnings. For instance, the lowest 10% of earners make around $22,700 per year. The highest 10% earn over $200,000 annually. This spread indicates that there are opportunities for both entry-level positions and high-paying roles. Job seekers can find positions that match their skills and experience levels.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia offers a range of top-paying jobs for skilled professionals. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $287,092. General dentists also earn well, with an average salary of $242,973. Solar sales representatives, clinical psychologists, and nurse practitioners follow closely behind, each earning over $140,000 annually. Other high-paying positions in Columbia include pharmacists, psychologists, and school psychologists, all earning over $100,000 per year. Finance managers, software engineers, and school psychologists also offer attractive salaries. These roles 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 $287,092 and Software Engineer with the lowest at $107,105.
  1. Physician
    Average Salary: $287,092
    Doctors in this role diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in hospitals and clinics. They often collaborate with other healthcare professionals.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. General Dentist
    Average Salary: $242,973
    Dentists focus on oral health. They perform cleanings, fillings, and extractions. They work in private practices and dental clinics.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Solar Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $160,662
    These professionals sell solar energy systems. They educate customers on the benefits. They work for companies like SunPower and Vivint Solar.
    Find Solar Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Clinical Psychologist
    Average Salary: $144,736
    They assess and treat mental health issues. They work in hospitals and private practices. They often collaborate with other therapists and counselors.
    Find Clinical Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $140,656
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. They work in clinics and hospitals.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $126,615
    Pharmacists fill prescriptions and advise patients. They work in pharmacies and hospitals. They ensure medications are safe and effective.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Psychologist
    Average Salary: $115,061
    They study human behavior and mental processes. They work in schools, hospitals, and private practices. They often conduct research and provide therapy.
    Find Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. School Psychologist
    Average Salary: $112,131
    They support students' mental health. They work in schools and collaborate with teachers and parents. They provide assessments and interventions.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Finance Manager
    Average Salary: $109,783
    They manage a company's finances. They oversee budgets and investments. They work in corporate offices and financial institutions.
    Find Finance Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $107,105
    They design and develop software applications. They work in tech companies and startups. They often collaborate with other developers and IT professionals.
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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 degree. Sales Inspectors lead the list with an average salary of $77,693. Kitchen Managers and Canvassers also earn well, with average salaries of $64,333 and $58,534, respectively. Other top-paying jobs include Irrigation Technicians, Concrete Finishers, and Restaurant Managers. These positions offer average salaries of $51,637, $49,153, and $44,238, respectively. Loaders, Meat Cutters, Lawn Care Technicians, and Landscapers round out the list with competitive salaries. These jobs provide good earning potential without the need for a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $77,693 and Landscaper with the lowest at $33,181.
  1. Sales Inspector
    Average Salary: $77,693
    Sales inspectors work for companies like Amazon and Walmart. They ensure products meet quality standards. They travel to stores and check items on shelves.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $64,333
    Kitchen managers oversee daily operations at restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Panera. They manage staff and ensure food quality. They handle inventory and customer service.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $58,534
    Canvassers work for political campaigns and organizations. They visit homes and gather support. They explain issues and collect signatures.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. Irrigation Technician
    Average Salary: $51,637
    Irrigation technicians work for landscape companies. They install and maintain irrigation systems. They ensure plants get the right amount of water.
    Find Irrigation Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $49,153
    Concrete finishers work on construction sites. They pour and smooth concrete. They use tools to shape and level surfaces.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $44,238
    Restaurant managers oversee daily operations at eateries. They manage staff and ensure customer satisfaction. They handle budgets and schedules.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. Loader
    Average Salary: $43,747
    Loaders work for logistics companies like FedEx and UPS. They load and unload trucks. They ensure packages are ready for delivery.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $36,933
    Meat cutters work in grocery stores and butcher shops. They cut and package meat. They ensure products are fresh and meet quality standards.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $33,671
    Lawn care technicians work for landscaping companies. They maintain lawns and gardens. They mow, trim, and water plants.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $33,181
    Landscapers work for landscaping companies. They design and install outdoor spaces. They plant trees, shrubs, and flowers.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Job seekers in Columbia, SC, have several top companies to consider for higher salaries. PwC leads the pack with an average salary of $180,528. This prestigious firm offers competitive compensation and a strong career path. Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) follows closely with an average salary of $144,615, making it another excellent choice for those seeking a lucrative position. Other notable companies include LifeStance Health, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and Benevis, all offering average salaries above $100,000. These companies provide stable and rewarding career opportunities. Unum, CyberCoders, gpac, Systemtec, and Cushman & Wakefield also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $106,052 to $99,978. These firms provide a range of benefits and growth potential for professionals.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $180,528 and Cushman & Wakefield with the lowest at $99,978.
  1. PwC
    Average Salary: $180,528
    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: $144,615
    CCI provides IT consulting and staffing services. They focus on helping businesses with their technology needs. They are known for their expertise and client service.


  3. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $127,739
    LifeStance Health offers mental health services. They have a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, and therapists. They aim to provide quality care to their patients.


  4. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
    Average Salary: $111,153
    The FBI is a leading U.S. domestic security organization. They protect and defend the U.S. against terrorist and foreign intelligence threats. They also uphold and enforce federal laws.


  5. Benevis
    Average Salary: $108,248
    Benevis provides behavioral health services. They focus on mental health and substance abuse treatment. They aim to help individuals achieve their best health.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $106,052
    Unum offers insurance and financial protection services. They help people protect their income and health. They provide life, disability, and critical illness insurance.


  7. CyberCoders
    Average Salary: $105,422
    CyberCoders is a staffing and recruiting firm. They specialize in tech and IT positions. They connect companies with skilled professionals.


  8. gpac
    Average Salary: $102,770
    gpac is a staffing and recruiting agency. They place candidates in various industries. They focus on matching the right people with the right jobs.


  9. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $100,320
    Systemtec provides IT consulting and staffing services. They help businesses with their technology needs. They focus on delivering quality solutions.


  10. Cushman & Wakefield
    Average Salary: $99,978
    Cushman & Wakefield is a global real estate services firm. They offer property management, leasing, and valuation services. They help clients make smart real estate decisions.

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

Columbia, SC, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The overall cost of living index for Columbia is 90, indicating a 10% reduction in expenses. This makes Columbia an attractive option for job seekers looking to minimize living costs while maintaining a reasonable quality of life. Housing in Columbia is particularly affordable, with an index of 78, representing a 22% decrease from the national average. Other areas like groceries, utilities, and healthcare also show lower costs, though not as significantly reduced. This balanced reduction across various sectors makes Columbia an appealing choice for those seeking to manage their budget effectively.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 11% lower, groceries 2% higher, utilities 3% lower, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 7% lower, miscellaneous 2% lower.

The cost of living in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a more affordable lifestyle compared to the nationwide average. The housing index stands at 78, which is 22% lower than the national average. This means that housing costs in Columbia are significantly cheaper than the average American city. For job seekers, this lower housing cost can translate into more disposable income or the ability to rent a larger space.


Other expenses in Columbia also show a favorable comparison. Groceries cost 92, which is 8% lower than the national average. Utilities are priced at 95, just 5% above the average. Transportation costs are at 90, which is 10% below the average. Healthcare costs are slightly higher at 96, but only 4% above the average. Miscellaneous expenses are at 89, which is 11% lower than the average. Overall, Columbia provides a cost-effective living environment for many of life's essentials.

There are 4,479 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
4,479 Job Openings