Legal Columbia, SC
Pop. 131,674
Lawyer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median lawyer salary in Columbia, SC is $122,166 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
City Median
$122,166
vs State Avg
+$1,357
vs National
$-13,574
Cost of Living
90%
Lawyer Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level lawyer earns around $63,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $198,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$63,000
$-7,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$124,200
$-13,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$198,000
$-22,000 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $58,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $76,500 |
| Median (50th) | $122,166 |
| 75th Percentile | $167,400 |
| 90th Percentile | $215,280 |
Lawyer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Lawyer in Columbia
Education
Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy
Job Outlook
Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.