Market Research Analyst Salary in Columbia, SC: $61,407 (2026)

Market Research Analyst Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median market research analyst salary of $61,407, which is $682 above the South Carolina state average of $60,725. Compared to the national median of $68,230, 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 market research analysts in Columbia spans from $34,200 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $75,600 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,000, while senior market research analysts with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Market Research Analyst Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level market research analyst earns around $36,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,000

$-4,000 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$63,000

$-7,000 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$103,500

$-11,500 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$34,200	$33,820	$38,000
25th Percentile	$45,000	$44,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$61,407	$60,725	$68,230
75th Percentile	$82,800	$81,880	$92,000
90th Percentile	$109,800	$108,580	$122,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$34,200

25th Percentile

$45,000

Median (50th)

$61,407

75th Percentile

$82,800

90th Percentile

$109,800

How to Become a Market Research Analyst in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Data AnalysisSurvey DesignSPSS/RMarket TrendsReport WritingPresentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, market research analyst employment is projected to grow 13% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Market Research Analyst Salary in Columbia

How much does a Market Research Analyst make in Columbia, SC? ▼

The median market research analyst salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $61,407 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $68,230. Salaries range from $34,200 (10th percentile) to $109,800 (90th percentile).

How much does a Market Research Analyst make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $61,407, a market research analyst in Columbia earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for market research analyst pay? ▼

Columbia's median market research analyst salary of $61,407 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $60,725. 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 market research analyst salary of $61,407 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a market research analyst in Columbia? ▼

Most market research analyst positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Data Analysis, Survey Design, SPSS/R, Market Trends. The job market is projected to grow 13% nationally over the next decade.

Market Research Analyst Salary in Columbia, South Carolina