Agriculture & Environment Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, SC is $66,744 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$66,744
vs State Avg
+$742
vs National
$-7,416
Cost of Living
90%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $66,744, which is $742 above the South Carolina state average of $66,002. Compared to the national median of $74,160, 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 agricultural scientists in Columbia spans from $39,600 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $70,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$68,400
$-7,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,500
$-11,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $39,600
25th Percentile $50,400
Median (50th) $66,744
75th Percentile $88,200
90th Percentile $109,800

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$77,868
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$74,160
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$70,452
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$68,227
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $66,744 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $39,600 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,744, a agricultural scientist in Columbia earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Columbia's median agricultural scientist salary of $66,744 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $66,002. 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 agricultural scientist salary of $66,744 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Columbia? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.