Automotive & Maintenance Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Maintenance Worker Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median maintenance worker salary in Columbia, SC is $38,880 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$38,880
vs State Avg
+$432
vs National
$-4,320
Cost of Living
90%

Maintenance Worker Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median maintenance worker salary of $38,880, which is $432 above the South Carolina state average of $38,448. Compared to the national median of $43,200, 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 maintenance workers in Columbia spans from $25,200 at the 10th percentile to $60,300 at the 90th percentile — a $35,100 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,000, while senior maintenance workers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $56,700. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Maintenance Worker Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level maintenance worker earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $56,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,000
$-3,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,600
$-4,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$56,700
$-6,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $25,200
25th Percentile $30,600
Median (50th) $38,880
75th Percentile $49,500
90th Percentile $60,300

Maintenance Worker Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$45,360
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$43,200
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$41,040
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$39,744
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Maintenance Worker in Columbia

Education

Most maintenance worker positions require a high school diploma. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

General RepairPlumbing BasicsElectrical BasicsHVAC BasicsPaintingSafety

Job Outlook

Nationally, maintenance worker 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 Maintenance Worker Jobs in Columbia

Browse open maintenance worker positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Maintenance Worker Salary in Columbia

How much does a Maintenance Worker make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median maintenance worker salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $38,880 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $43,200. Salaries range from $25,200 (10th percentile) to $60,300 (90th percentile).
How much does a Maintenance Worker make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,880, a maintenance worker in Columbia earns approximately $19 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for maintenance worker pay? ▼
Columbia's median maintenance worker salary of $38,880 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $38,448. 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 maintenance worker salary of $38,880 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a maintenance worker in Columbia? ▼
Most maintenance worker positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include General Repair, Plumbing Basics, Electrical Basics, HVAC Basics. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.