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Average salary by job family in Columbia
| Management | $123,650 |
|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | $101,570 |
| Legal | $97,590 |
| Computer and Mathematical | $93,480 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $92,750 |
| Business and Financial Operations | $83,010 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | $73,950 |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | $63,390 |
| Educational Instruction and Library | $62,850 |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | $56,850 |
| Community and Social Service | $56,690 |
| Construction and Extraction | $55,130 |
| Production | $49,550 |
| Protective Service | $47,940 |
| Sales and Related | $47,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support | $46,830 |
| Transportation and Material Moving | $42,470 |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | $42,420 |
| Healthcare Support | $36,600 |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | $35,660 |
| Personal Care and Service | $35,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | $29,540 |
Highest-paying jobs in Columbia
- Physicians, All Other$346,290
- Anesthesiologists$318,040
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$306,490
- Nurse Anesthetists$270,230
- Psychiatrists$242,880
- Dentists, General$236,230
- Family Medicine Physicians$228,220
- Chief Executives$206,310
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$168,660
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$162,140
Most common jobs in Columbia and what they pay
| Job | Jobs | Average salary | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 11,640 | $27,080 | $27,170 |
| Retail Salespersons | 10,860 | $32,590 | $29,540 |
| Customer Service Representatives | 10,430 | $40,540 | $37,430 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 9,470 | $36,100 | $37,180 |
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | 9,410 | $39,740 | $37,530 |
| Registered Nurses | 9,400 | $88,030 | $81,920 |
| Cashiers | 8,700 | $27,930 | $27,830 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 7,740 | $30,730 | $30,210 |
| Office Clerks, General | 7,260 | $39,960 | $38,320 |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 6,610 | $46,150 | $45,620 |
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Cost of living in Columbia
Prices in the Columbia area are 6% below the U.S. average, with a BEA price parity of 93.7 for 2024. The average local salary of $59,030 therefore buys what $63,024 would buy in a typical U.S. metro. A typical home is worth $256,154, 3.9 times the median household income of $66,146.
$256,154typical home value
$66,146median household income
93.7BEA price parity
839,868metro population
Take-home pay in Columbia
| Salary level | Gross | After tax | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th percentile wage | $34,950 | $29,865 | $2,489 |
| Median wage | $46,430 | $38,724 | $3,227 |
| Average wage | $59,030 | $48,012 | $4,001 |
| 75th percentile wage | $69,250 | $55,272 | $4,606 |
Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
Salaries for every job in Columbia
Management32 jobs
- Chief Executives$206K
- Architectural and Engineering Managers$169K
- Advertising and Promotions Managers$162K
- Marketing Managers$158K
- Computer and Information Systems Managers$153K
- Financial Managers$148K
- Sales Managers$139K
- Industrial Production Managers$135K
- Natural Sciences Managers$132K
- Managers, All Other$132K
- Administrative Services Managers$131K
- Medical and Health Services Managers$126K
- General and Operations Managers$125K
- Purchasing Managers$122K
- Construction Managers$121K
- Fundraising Managers$121K
- Human Resources Managers$120K
- Public Relations Managers$116K
- Training and Development Managers$116K
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary$114K
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers$111K
- Facilities Managers$107K
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$106K
- Education Administrators, All Other$96K
- Social and Community Service Managers$89K
- Compensation and Benefits Managers$87K
- Emergency Management Directors$85K
- Entertainment and Recreation Managers, Except Gambling$75K
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers$74K
- Food Service Managers$66K
- Lodging Managers$63K
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare$55K
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical44 jobs
- Physicians, All Other$346K
- Anesthesiologists$318K
- Obstetricians and Gynecologists$306K
- Nurse Anesthetists$270K
- Psychiatrists$243K
- Dentists, General$236K
- Family Medicine Physicians$228K
- Veterinarians$139K
- Optometrists$130K
- Pharmacists$130K
- Nurse Practitioners$121K
- Physician Assistants$118K
- Occupational Therapists$97K
- Physical Therapists$94K
- Speech-Language Pathologists$89K
- Registered Nurses$88K
- Nuclear Medicine Technologists$87K
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists$84K
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers$82K
- Dental Hygienists$80K
- Chiropractors$80K
- Respiratory Therapists$75K
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians$75K
- Dietitians and Nutritionists$67K
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians$66K
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses$64K
- Surgical Technologists$62K
- Athletic Trainers$59K
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians$58K
- Medical Records Specialists$57K
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars$56K
- Paramedics$54K
- Surgical Assistants$52K
- Exercise Physiologists$51K
- Opticians, Dispensing$49K
- Recreational Therapists$49K
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other$48K
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Workers, All Other$46K
- Psychiatric Technicians$44K
- Pharmacy Technicians$42K
- Emergency Medical Technicians$42K
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians$41K
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians$41K
- Dietetic Technicians$38K
Legal7 jobs
Computer and Mathematical17 jobs
- Actuaries$135K
- Database Architects$134K
- Computer Network Architects$126K
- Software Developers$122K
- Information Security Analysts$107K
- Computer Programmers$98K
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators$97K
- Computer Occupations, All Other$97K
- Data Scientists$94K
- Computer Systems Analysts$94K
- Database Administrators$93K
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers$92K
- Web and Digital Interface Designers$83K
- Operations Research Analysts$79K
- Computer Network Support Specialists$78K
- Statisticians$77K
- Computer User Support Specialists$55K
Architecture and Engineering24 jobs
- Nuclear Engineers$137K
- Materials Engineers$129K
- Computer Hardware Engineers$128K
- Engineers, All Other$115K
- Electrical Engineers$108K
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval$107K
- Mechanical Engineers$107K
- Environmental Engineers$102K
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer$102K
- Industrial Engineers$102K
- Civil Engineers$101K
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other$86K
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors$84K
- Electrical and Electronics Drafters$74K
- Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians$73K
- Surveyors$71K
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians$70K
- Architectural and Civil Drafters$68K
- Environmental Engineering Technologists and Technicians$66K
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians$65K
- Mechanical Drafters$64K
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians$62K
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians$59K
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians$50K
Business and Financial Operations29 jobs
- Personal Financial Advisors$133K
- Financial Examiners$106K
- Financial and Investment Analysts$102K
- Financial Risk Specialists$101K
- Management Analysts$101K
- Project Management Specialists$95K
- Credit Analysts$92K
- Budget Analysts$88K
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other$85K
- Compliance Officers$84K
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists$83K
- Insurance Underwriters$83K
- Loan Officers$81K
- Insurance Appraisers, Auto Damage$81K
- Logisticians$79K
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents$78K
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents$77K
- Accountants and Auditors$76K
- Human Resources Specialists$74K
- Cost Estimators$73K
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators$71K
- Fundraisers$71K
- Financial Specialists, All Other$71K
- Labor Relations Specialists$71K
- Training and Development Specialists$68K
- Property Appraisers and Assessors$66K
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$63K
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners$51K
- Tax Preparers$44K
Life, Physical, and Social Science19 jobs
- Psychologists, All Other$124K
- Clinical and Counseling Psychologists$103K
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$93K
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers$92K
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other$88K
- Foresters$87K
- School Psychologists$82K
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists$81K
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists$81K
- Chemists$79K
- Urban and Regional Planners$75K
- Hydrologists$74K
- Social Science Research Assistants$73K
- Chemical Technicians$66K
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health$63K
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other$58K
- Conservation Scientists$55K
- Occupational Health and Safety Technicians$55K
- Forensic Science Technicians$48K
Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media18 jobs
- Art Directors$97K
- Technical Writers$82K
- Public Relations Specialists$79K
- Editors$72K
- Commercial and Industrial Designers$72K
- Interior Designers$68K
- Coaches and Scouts$68K
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists$67K
- Audio and Video Technicians$63K
- Producers and Directors$62K
- Court Reporters and Simultaneous Captioners$61K
- Graphic Designers$59K
- Interpreters and Translators$54K
- Broadcast Technicians$53K
- Writers and Authors$49K
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers$39K
- Photographers$39K
- Floral Designers$32K
Educational Instruction and Library40 jobs
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary$137K
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary$123K
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary$122K
- Recreation and Fitness Studies Teachers, Postsecondary$118K
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary$117K
- Political Science Teachers, Postsecondary$109K
- Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary$108K
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary$107K
- Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary$98K
- History Teachers, Postsecondary$97K
- Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Communications Teachers, Postsecondary$96K
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary$92K
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary$89K
- Philosophy and Religion Teachers, Postsecondary$86K
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other$83K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$72K
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary$67K
- Instructional Coordinators$67K
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other$64K
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School$64K
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other$64K
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$64K
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists$63K
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$63K
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors$61K
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education$60K
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education$60K
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School$59K
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education$59K
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$57K
- Curators$56K
- Special Education Teachers, Preschool$55K
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary$46K
- Self-Enrichment Teachers$41K
- Tutors$39K
- Library Technicians$38K
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education$33K
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary$31K
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair28 jobs
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay$90K
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers$77K
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers$71K
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers$71K
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$68K
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door$68K
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians$67K
- Maintenance Workers, Machinery$66K
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics$66K
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists$62K
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines$58K
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers$57K
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$56K
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics$53K
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers$52K
- Mechanical Door Repairers$50K
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General$49K
- Medical Equipment Repairers$48K
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics$48K
- Audiovisual Equipment Installers and Repairers$48K
- Home Appliance Repairers$47K
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers$47K
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other$46K
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers$45K
- Electronic Equipment Installers and Repairers, Motor Vehicles$42K
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers$41K
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers$40K
- Tire Repairers and Changers$35K
Community and Social Service15 jobs
- Social Workers, All Other$98K
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists$68K
- Health Education Specialists$67K
- Healthcare Social Workers$64K
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other$62K
- Marriage and Family Therapists$60K
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors$60K
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors$60K
- Clergy$60K
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers$53K
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education$52K
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers$50K
- Community Health Workers$49K
- Rehabilitation Counselors$44K
- Social and Human Service Assistants$43K
Construction and Extraction26 jobs
- Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers$87K
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers$75K
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers$64K
- Electricians$62K
- Construction and Building Inspectors$62K
- Insulation Workers, Mechanical$58K
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers$56K
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$55K
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining$55K
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall$54K
- Glaziers$53K
- Carpenters$53K
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers$53K
- Sheet Metal Workers$53K
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons$52K
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators$51K
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators$49K
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers$47K
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers$46K
- Pipelayers$46K
- Roofers$45K
- Construction Laborers$45K
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance$45K
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters$40K
- Helpers--Electricians$39K
- Helpers--Carpenters$37K
Production57 jobs
- Power Distributors and Dispatchers$93K
- Power Plant Operators$82K
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers$78K
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators$71K
- Tool and Die Makers$69K
- Gas Plant Operators$69K
- Plant and System Operators, All Other$66K
- Extruding and Drawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$58K
- Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders$58K
- Machinists$57K
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators$55K
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$52K
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators$52K
- Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$52K
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers$51K
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers$51K
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$51K
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$50K
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$49K
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters$49K
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$49K
- Extruding and Forming Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Synthetic and Glass Fibers$48K
- Structural Metal Fabricators and Fitters$47K
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$47K
- Metal Workers and Plastic Workers, All Other$47K
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$46K
- Textile, Apparel, and Furnishings Workers, All Other$46K
- Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators$45K
- Multiple Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic$44K
- Prepress Technicians and Workers$44K
- Printing Press Operators$44K
- Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$44K
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers$44K
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders$44K
- Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand$43K
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$43K
- Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians$43K
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers$42K
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators$42K
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood$41K
- Production Workers, All Other$41K
- Textile Winding, Twisting, and Drawing Out Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$40K
- Food Batchmakers$40K
- Textile Knitting and Weaving Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders$40K
- Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers$40K
- Butchers and Meat Cutters$39K
- Sewing Machine Operators$39K
- Food and Tobacco Roasting, Baking, and Drying Machine Operators and Tenders$38K
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing$38K
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers$37K
- Helpers--Production Workers$36K
- Food Processing Workers, All Other$36K
- Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders$35K
- Bakers$34K
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers$31K
Protective Service16 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers$87K
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives$85K
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators$76K
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers$66K
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers$65K
- Transportation Security Screeners$65K
- Private Detectives and Investigators$55K
- Protective Service Workers, All Other$51K
- Correctional Officers and Jailers$49K
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers$46K
- Firefighters$40K
- Animal Control Workers$40K
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers$36K
- Security Guards$36K
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers$27K
- School Bus Monitors$27K
Sales and Related17 jobs
- Sales Engineers$133K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products$119K
- Insurance Sales Agents$89K
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers$88K
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents$79K
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products$77K
- Advertising Sales Agents$74K
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel$66K
- Real Estate Sales Agents$57K
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers$51K
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other$49K
- Counter and Rental Clerks$39K
- Parts Salespersons$37K
- Telemarketers$35K
- Travel Agents$34K
- Retail Salespersons$33K
- Cashiers$28K
Office and Administrative Support41 jobs
- Brokerage Clerks$70K
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers$68K
- Postal Service Clerks$63K
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks$62K
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators$59K
- Postal Service Mail Carriers$58K
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants$58K
- Cargo and Freight Agents$57K
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other$55K
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks$54K
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$53K
- Procurement Clerks$53K
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks$53K
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other$51K
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance$51K
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks$50K
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks$49K
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping$47K
- Meter Readers, Utilities$47K
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive$46K
- Billing and Posting Clerks$46K
- Order Clerks$45K
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks$44K
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks$43K
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping$43K
- Bill and Account Collectors$43K
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs$43K
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants$42K
- Tellers$42K
- Public Safety Telecommunicators$41K
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan$41K
- Customer Service Representatives$41K
- Office Clerks, General$40K
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service$40K
- File Clerks$38K
- Data Entry Keyers$36K
- Receptionists and Information Clerks$35K
- Couriers and Messengers$35K
- Library Assistants, Clerical$35K
- Switchboard Operators, Including Answering Service$33K
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks$29K
Transportation and Material Moving22 jobs
- Transportation Inspectors$110K
- Commercial Pilots$95K
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$66K
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors$65K
- Crane and Tower Operators$64K
- Traffic Technicians$61K
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers$56K
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$45K
- Light Truck Drivers$44K
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$43K
- Bus Drivers, School$41K
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand$40K
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders$38K
- Stockers and Order Fillers$36K
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors$35K
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants$33K
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$33K
- Packers and Packagers, Hand$32K
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs$32K
- Driver/Sales Workers$31K
- Ambulance Drivers and Attendants, Except Emergency Medical Technicians$30K
- Parking Attendants$28K
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry4 jobs
Healthcare Support14 jobs
- Occupational Therapy Assistants$66K
- Physical Therapist Assistants$65K
- Massage Therapists$54K
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other$48K
- Dental Assistants$47K
- Medical Equipment Preparers$44K
- Medical Assistants$42K
- Phlebotomists$41K
- Medical Transcriptionists$38K
- Pharmacy Aides$37K
- Nursing Assistants$37K
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers$35K
- Physical Therapist Aides$35K
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides$31K
Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance8 jobs
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers$59K
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers$49K
- Pest Control Workers$45K
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners$44K
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation$43K
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers$37K
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$33K
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners$30K
Personal Care and Service17 jobs
- Embalmers$64K
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers$54K
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services$53K
- Skincare Specialists$46K
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers$45K
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors$43K
- Residential Advisors$42K
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists$39K
- Animal Trainers$34K
- Recreation Workers$33K
- Concierges$33K
- Animal Caretakers$33K
- Tour and Travel Guides$31K
- Funeral Attendants$30K
- Childcare Workers$30K
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants$28K
- Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Takers$24K
Food Preparation and Serving Related15 jobs
- Chefs and Head Cooks$69K
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers$41K
- Cooks, Restaurant$35K
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$34K
- Bartenders$32K
- Food Preparation Workers$31K
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$31K
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers$30K
- Cooks, Short Order$29K
- Dishwashers$29K
- Fast Food and Counter Workers$27K
- Cooks, Fast Food$26K
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$25K
- Waiters and Waitresses$24K
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other$23K
Average salary in nearby cities
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Salary in Columbia: questions
What is a good salary in Columbia?
Half of all workers in the Columbia metro earn less than $46,430 and the average is $59,030. Earning more than $69,250 puts you in the top quarter of local wages.
How much do you need to earn in Columbia to match a $69,770 salary elsewhere?
About $65,348, because prices here are 6% below the U.S. average (BEA price parity 93.7).
What are the highest-paying jobs in Columbia?
Physicians, All Other ($346,290), Anesthesiologists ($318,040), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($306,490).
Sources and how to read this page
- Wages: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 estimates for metropolitan areas. Area Columbia, SC (17900), all occupations and 510 individual jobs. What a metro area includes.
- Cost of living: Bureau of Economic Analysis regional price parities (RPP), 2024; 100 = U.S. average.
- Population and median household income: Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates, 2023.
- Home value: Zillow Home Value Index.
- Take-home pay: Single filer, standard deduction: federal income tax (2026 brackets), Social Security, Medicare and state income tax (2026 rules).
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