Science & Research Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Chemist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median chemist salary in Columbia, SC is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$74,511
vs State Avg
+$828
vs National
$-8,279
Cost of Living
90%

Chemist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level chemist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,000
$-5,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$75,600
$-8,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $55,800
Median (50th) $74,511
75th Percentile $98,100
90th Percentile $127,800

Chemist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$86,930
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$82,790
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$78,651
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$76,167
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Chemist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Analytical ChemistryLab TechniquesSpectroscopyHPLCQuality ControlResearch Methods

Job Outlook

Nationally, chemist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.