Business & Finance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Fundraiser Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median fundraiser salary in Columbia, SC is $57,744 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$57,744
vs State Avg
+$642
vs National
$-6,416
Cost of Living
90%

Fundraiser Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median fundraiser salary of $57,744, which is $642 above the South Carolina state average of $57,102. Compared to the national median of $64,160, 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 fundraisers in Columbia spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $103,500 at the 90th percentile — a $71,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior fundraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $97,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Fundraiser Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level fundraiser earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $97,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-3,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$97,200
$-10,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $32,400
25th Percentile $41,400
Median (50th) $57,744
75th Percentile $79,200
90th Percentile $103,500

Fundraiser Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Fundraiser in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

FundraisingGrant WritingEvent PlanningDonor RelationsCRMCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, fundraiser employment is projected to grow 10% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Fundraiser Jobs in Columbia

Browse open fundraiser positions in Columbia, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Fundraiser Salary in Columbia

How much does a Fundraiser make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median fundraiser salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $57,744 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $64,160. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $103,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Fundraiser make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $57,744, a fundraiser in Columbia earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for fundraiser pay? ▼
Columbia's median fundraiser salary of $57,744 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $57,102. 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 fundraiser salary of $57,744 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a fundraiser in Columbia? ▼
Most fundraiser positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Fundraising, Grant Writing, Event Planning, Donor Relations. The job market is projected to grow 10% nationally over the next decade.