Engineering Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Environmental Engineer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median environmental engineer salary in Columbia, SC is $87,138 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$87,138
vs State Avg
+$968
vs National
$-9,682
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Engineer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median environmental engineer salary of $87,138, which is $968 above the South Carolina state average of $86,170. Compared to the national median of $96,820, 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 environmental engineers in Columbia spans from $54,900 at the 10th percentile to $133,200 at the 90th percentile — a $78,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,600, while senior environmental engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $127,800. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Environmental Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level environmental engineer earns around $57,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $127,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,600
$-6,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$88,200
$-9,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$127,800
$-14,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $54,900
25th Percentile $68,400
Median (50th) $87,138
75th Percentile $109,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Environmental Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$101,661
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$96,820
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$91,979
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$89,074
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Environmental Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental RemediationWater TreatmentAir QualityEPA RegulationsGISProject Management

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental engineer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open environmental engineer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Environmental Engineer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median environmental engineer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $87,138 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $96,820. Salaries range from $54,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $87,138, a environmental engineer in Columbia earns approximately $42 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for environmental engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median environmental engineer salary of $87,138 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $86,170. 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 environmental engineer salary of $87,138 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most environmental engineer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Remediation, Water Treatment, Air Quality, EPA Regulations. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.