Business & Finance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median financial advisor salary in Columbia, SC is $85,851 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$85,851
vs State Avg
+$954
vs National
$-9,539
Cost of Living
90%

Financial Advisor Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median financial advisor salary of $85,851, which is $954 above the South Carolina state average of $84,897. Compared to the national median of $95,390, 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 financial advisors in Columbia spans from $39,960 at the 10th percentile to $215,100 at the 90th percentile — a $175,140 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $43,200, while senior financial advisors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level financial advisor earns around $43,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 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)
$85,500
$-9,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
$-18,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $39,960
25th Percentile $56,160
Median (50th) $85,851
75th Percentile $134,100
90th Percentile $215,100

Financial Advisor Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$100,160
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$95,390
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$90,621
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$87,759
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Financial Advisor in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Investment PlanningPortfolio ManagementTax PlanningClient RelationsFinancial AnalysisCFA/CFP

Job Outlook

Nationally, financial advisor employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Financial Advisor Jobs in Columbia

Browse open financial advisor positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Financial Advisor Salary in Columbia

How much does a Financial Advisor make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median financial advisor salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $85,851 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $95,390. Salaries range from $39,960 (10th percentile) to $215,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Financial Advisor make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,851, a financial advisor in Columbia earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for financial advisor pay? ▼
Columbia's median financial advisor salary of $85,851 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $84,897. 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 financial advisor salary of $85,851 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a financial advisor in Columbia? ▼
Most financial advisor positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Investment Planning, Portfolio Management, Tax Planning, Client Relations. The job market is projected to grow 13% nationally over the next decade.