Business & Finance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Accountant Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median accountant salary in Columbia, SC is $71,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$71,892
vs State Avg
+$799
vs National
$-7,988
Cost of Living
90%

Accountant Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median accountant salary of $71,892, which is $799 above the South Carolina state average of $71,093. Compared to the national median of $79,880, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Columbia's cost of living is 90% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for accountants in Columbia spans from $45,360 at the 10th percentile to $119,520 at the 90th percentile — a $74,160 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior accountants with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Accountant Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level accountant earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $45,360
25th Percentile $56,430
Median (50th) $71,892
75th Percentile $92,160
90th Percentile $119,520

Accountant Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$83,874
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$79,880
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$75,886
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$73,490
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Accountant in Columbia

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Accountant Jobs in Columbia

Browse open accountant positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Columbia

How much does a Accountant make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median accountant salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $71,892 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $45,360 (10th percentile) to $119,520 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,892, a accountant in Columbia earns approximately $35 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for accountant pay? ▼
Columbia's median accountant salary of $71,892 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $71,093. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbia, SC? ▼
Columbia has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a accountant salary of $71,892 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a accountant in Columbia? ▼
Most accountant positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include GAAP, Tax Preparation, Financial Analysis, QuickBooks. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.