Creative & Education Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

College Professor Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median college professor salary in Columbia, SC is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$75,492
vs State Avg
+$839
vs National
$-8,388
Cost of Living
90%

College Professor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median college professor salary of $75,492, which is $839 above the South Carolina state average of $74,653. Compared to the national median of $83,880, 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 college professors in Columbia spans from $40,500 at the 10th percentile to $151,200 at the 90th percentile — a $110,700 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior college professors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $144,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

College Professor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level college professor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $144,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$77,400
$-8,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$144,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $40,500
25th Percentile $54,000
Median (50th) $75,492
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $151,200

College Professor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$88,074
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$83,880
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$79,686
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$77,170
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a College Professor in Columbia

Education

Most college professor positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

TeachingResearchPublishingCurriculum DesignAcademic AdvisingGrant Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, college professor 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 College Professor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open college professor positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: College Professor Salary in Columbia

How much does a College Professor make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median college professor salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $75,492 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,880. Salaries range from $40,500 (10th percentile) to $151,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a College Professor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,492, a college professor 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 college professor pay? ▼
Columbia's median college professor salary of $75,492 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $74,653. 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 college professor salary of $75,492 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a college professor in Columbia? ▼
Most college professor positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Teaching, Research, Publishing, Curriculum Design. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.