Engineering Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Industrial Engineer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median industrial engineer salary in Columbia, SC is $85,770 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$85,770
vs State Avg
+$953
vs National
$-9,530
Cost of Living
90%

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

Columbia offers a median industrial engineer salary of $85,770, which is $953 above the South Carolina state average of $84,817. Compared to the national median of $95,300, 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 industrial 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 industrial 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.

Industrial Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level industrial 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)
$86,400
$-9,600 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) $85,770
75th Percentile $108,000
90th Percentile $133,200

Industrial Engineer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$100,065
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$95,300
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$90,535
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$87,676
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Industrial Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Lean ManufacturingSix SigmaProcess OptimizationAutoCADStatistical AnalysisOperations Research

Job Outlook

Nationally, industrial engineer employment is projected to grow 12% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Industrial Engineer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open industrial engineer positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Industrial Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Industrial Engineer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median industrial engineer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $85,770 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $95,300. Salaries range from $54,900 (10th percentile) to $133,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Industrial Engineer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $85,770, a industrial engineer 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 industrial engineer pay? ▼
Columbia's median industrial engineer salary of $85,770 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $84,817. 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 industrial engineer salary of $85,770 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a industrial engineer in Columbia? ▼
Most industrial engineer positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Process Optimization, AutoCAD. The job market is projected to grow 12% nationally over the next decade.