Technology Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Business Analyst Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median business analyst salary in Columbia, SC is $81,840 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$81,840
vs State Avg
+$930
vs National
$-11,160
Cost of Living
90%

Business Analyst Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median business analyst salary of $81,840, which is $930 above the South Carolina state average of $80,910. Compared to the national median of $93,000, 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 business analysts in Columbia spans from $49,280 at the 10th percentile to $130,240 at the 90th percentile — a $80,960 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $52,800, while senior business analysts with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $123,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Business Analyst Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level business analyst earns around $52,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $123,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,600
$-11,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$123,200
$-16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $49,280
25th Percentile $64,240
Median (50th) $81,840
75th Percentile $105,600
90th Percentile $130,240

Business Analyst Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$95,790
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$91,140
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$86,490
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$83,700
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Business Analyst in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Requirements GatheringSQLJIRAProcess MappingAgileCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, business analyst employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Business Analyst Jobs in Columbia

Browse open business analyst positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Business Analyst Salary in Columbia

How much does a Business Analyst make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median business analyst salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $81,840 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $93,000. Salaries range from $49,280 (10th percentile) to $130,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Business Analyst make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,840, a business analyst in Columbia earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for business analyst pay? ▼
Columbia's median business analyst salary of $81,840 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $80,910. 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 business analyst salary of $81,840 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a business analyst in Columbia? ▼
Most business analyst positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Requirements Gathering, SQL, JIRA, Process Mapping. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.