Trades & Labor Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Painter Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median painter salary in Columbia, SC is $40,230 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$40,230
vs State Avg
+$447
vs National
$-4,470
Cost of Living
90%

Painter Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level painter earns around $27,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $59,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,900
$-3,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$40,500
$-4,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$59,400
$-6,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $27,000
25th Percentile $32,400
Median (50th) $40,230
75th Percentile $51,300
90th Percentile $63,000

Painter Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

How to Become a Painter in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Surface PreparationPaint ApplicationColor MatchingSpray EquipmentSafetyBlueprint Reading

Job Outlook

Nationally, painter 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 Painter Jobs in Columbia

Browse open painter positions in Columbia, SC:

Frequently Asked Questions: Painter Salary in Columbia

How much does a Painter make in Columbia, SC?
The median painter salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $40,230 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $44,700. Salaries range from $27,000 (10th percentile) to $63,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Painter make per hour in Columbia?
Based on the median annual salary of $40,230, a painter 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 painter pay?
Columbia's median painter salary of $40,230 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $39,783. 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 painter salary of $40,230 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a painter in Columbia?
Most painter positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include Surface Preparation, Paint Application, Color Matching, Spray Equipment. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.