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What is the average salary in Columbia, SC?

The average salary in Columbia, SC is $61,222 per year.

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
View jobs in Columbia, SC

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers a range of top-paying jobs across various industries. Physicians lead the way with an average salary of $284,937 per year. Dentists and paramedics also enjoy high earnings, with average salaries of $246,573 and $218,266, respectively. Other well-compensated positions include nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and software engineers. Nurse practitioners can expect to earn around $141,270 annually, while pharmacists make about $130,080 on average. Software engineers in Columbia can earn approximately $122,985 per year. These jobs provide excellent career opportunities and financial stability for those with the right qualifications.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting Physician with the highest at $284,937 and Programmer with the lowest at $107,457.
  1. 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.
    Find Physician jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. 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.
    Find General Dentist jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. 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.
    Find Paramedic jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. 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.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. 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.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. 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.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. 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.
    Find Sales Director jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. 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.
    Find School Psychologist jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. 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.
    Find Counselor jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. 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.
    Find Programmer jobs in Columbia, SC

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

If you're looking for high-paying jobs in Columbia without needing a college degree, several options are available. Sales Inspectors and Kitchen Managers both earn over $78,000 annually, offering solid income potential. These roles provide opportunities to develop valuable skills while earning a competitive salary. Other top-paying jobs include positions like Canvasser and Loader, which also pay over $43,000 per year. Positions such as Restaurant Manager and Landscaper offer solid pay, ranging from $40,000 to $69,000 annually. These roles combine strong earning potential with opportunities for growth and advancement in various industries.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, SC without a degree, highlighting Sales Inspector with the highest at $78,552 and Floor Tech with the lowest at $33,965.
  1. 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.
    Find Sales Inspector jobs in Columbia, SC


  2. 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.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  3. 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.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, SC


  4. 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.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, SC


  5. 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.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, SC


  6. 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.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, SC


  7. 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.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, SC


  8. 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.
    Find Service Team Member jobs in Columbia, SC


  9. 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.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, SC


  10. 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.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, SC

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, offers several companies that provide competitive salaries. Leading the pack, PwC stands out with an average salary of $181,266. Following closely is Computer Consultants International, Inc. (CCI) with an average salary of $146,175. These companies attract top talent by offering attractive compensation packages. Job seekers looking to secure higher earnings should consider roles at Heartland Dental, LifeStance Health, and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). These companies offer salaries ranging from $143,634 to $113,814. Additionally, Unum, Systemtec, Cushman & Wakefield, Advanced Correctional Healthcare, and Aspen Dental also provide attractive salary options. These companies ensure a robust and rewarding work environment for professionals in Columbia, SC.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, SC, highlighting PwC with the highest at $181,266 and Aspen Dental with the lowest at $94,064.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. Heartland Dental
    Average Salary: $143,634
    Heartland Dental focuses on providing dental care services. It values its employees and offers attractive compensation packages.


  4. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $138,511
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. It offers a supportive workplace with competitive salaries.


  5. 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.


  6. Unum
    Average Salary: $112,997
    Unum provides insurance services. It offers a stable career with a good salary and benefits for its employees.


  7. Systemtec
    Average Salary: $104,193
    Systemtec offers IT and consulting services. It provides a good salary and opportunities for professional development.


  8. 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.


  9. Advanced Correctional Healthcare
    Average Salary: $98,726
    This company provides healthcare services in correctional facilities. It offers stable employment with a decent salary.


  10. 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?

The cost of living index in Columbia, SC, shows a lower cost compared to the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs 8% less, groceries are 2% cheaper, utilities are 5% less, transportation expenses are 3% less, healthcare is 10% cheaper, and miscellaneous items are also 5% less expensive. Job seekers moving to Columbia can expect to spend less on most necessities, offering a more budget-friendly lifestyle.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, SC vs. Nationwide: housing 8% lower, groceries 2% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 10% lower, miscellaneous 5% lower.

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.

There are 3,377 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
3,377 Job Openings