Science & Research Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median environmental scientist salary in Columbia, SC is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$68,877
vs State Avg
+$765
vs National
$-7,653
Cost of Living
90%

Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level environmental scientist earns around $45,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,000 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)
$70,200
$-7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,000
$-12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $53,100
Median (50th) $68,877
75th Percentile $89,100
90th Percentile $113,400

Environmental Scientist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$80,357
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$76,530
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$72,704
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$70,408
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Environmental Scientist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Environmental SamplingGISData AnalysisEnvironmental LawReport WritingField Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, environmental scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Environmental Scientist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open environmental scientist positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Environmental Scientist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Environmental Scientist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median environmental scientist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $68,877 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $76,530. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $113,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Environmental Scientist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,877, a environmental scientist in Columbia earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for environmental scientist pay? ▼
Columbia's median environmental scientist salary of $68,877 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $68,112. 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 scientist salary of $68,877 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a environmental scientist in Columbia? ▼
Most environmental scientist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Environmental Sampling, GIS, Data Analysis, Environmental Law. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.