Archivist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median archivist salary in Columbia, SC is $52,776 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Archivist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median archivist salary of $52,776, which is $586 above the South Carolina state average of $52,190. Compared to the national median of $58,640, 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 archivists in Columbia spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $84,600 at the 90th percentile — a $52,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior archivists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Archivist Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level archivist earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $32,400 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,400 |
| Median (50th) | $52,776 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,600 |
Archivist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Archivist in Columbia
Education
Most archivist positions require a master's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, archivist employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Archivist Jobs in Columbia
Browse open archivist positions in Columbia, SC: