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.

Find Chemist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open chemist positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Chemist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Chemist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median chemist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $74,511 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $82,790. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Chemist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $74,511, a chemist 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 chemist pay? ▼
Columbia's median chemist salary of $74,511 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $73,683. 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 chemist salary of $74,511 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a chemist in Columbia? ▼
Most chemist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Analytical Chemistry, Lab Techniques, Spectroscopy, HPLC. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.