Construction & Real Estate Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Architect Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median architect salary in Columbia, SC is $74,556 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$74,556
vs State Avg
+$828
vs National
$-8,284
Cost of Living
90%

Architect Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level architect earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 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)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $45,000
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $74,556
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Architect Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Architect in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Architect Jobs in Columbia

Browse open architect positions in Columbia, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Architect Salary in Columbia

How much does a Architect make in Columbia, SC?
The median architect salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $74,556 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $45,000 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Columbia?
Based on the median annual salary of $74,556, a architect in Columbia earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for architect pay?
Columbia's median architect salary of $74,556 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $73,728. 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 architect salary of $74,556 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a architect in Columbia?
Most architect positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include AutoCAD/Revit, Building Design, Building Codes, 3D Modeling. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.