Top Paying Jobs in Columbia, SC
Columbia, SC has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 47,460 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Physicians, All Other ($374,300), Obstetricians and Gynecologists ($296,020), Anesthesiologists ($290,620). The cost of living index is 93.66 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,276/month.
$119K
Avg. median salary
93.66
Cost of living index
$1,276
Median 2BR rent
N/A
Population
Highest paying careers in Columbia
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Business Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $129K | N/A |
| 22 | Sales Managers | Management | $129K | $61.85/hr |
| 23 | Nuclear Engineers | Engineering | $128K | $61.7/hr |
| 24 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $128K | $61.56/hr |
| 25 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $127K | $60.91/hr |
| 26 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $126K | $60.34/hr |
| 27 | Financial Managers | Management | $125K | $60/hr |
| 28 | Software Developers | Technology | $123K | $59.32/hr |
| 29 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $123K | $59.1/hr |
| 30 | Materials Engineers | Engineering | $121K | $58.31/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Columbia
Cost of living vs. national average-6.3% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,276/mo
Planning a move? Compare costs with other locations:
Compare Columbia to other cities
Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
Remote work salary calculator
See what your salary is worth in Columbia
Calculate take-home pay in Columbia
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Columbia?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Columbia?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data