Science & Research Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Geologist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median geologist salary in Columbia, SC is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$75,312
vs State Avg
+$837
vs National
$-8,368
Cost of Living
90%

Geologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level geologist earns around $48,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $126,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,500
$-8,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$126,000
$-14,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $45,900
25th Percentile $56,700
Median (50th) $75,312
75th Percentile $100,800
90th Percentile $133,200

Geologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$87,864
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$83,680
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$79,496
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$76,986
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Geologist in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Field GeologyGISRock AnalysisStratigraphyEnvironmental AssessmentTechnical Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, geologist employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Geologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open geologist positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Geologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Geologist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median geologist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $75,312 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $83,680. Salaries range from $45,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Geologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,312, a geologist 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 geologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median geologist salary of $75,312 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $74,475. 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 geologist salary of $75,312 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a geologist in Columbia? ▼
Most geologist positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Field Geology, GIS, Rock Analysis, Stratigraphy. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.