Healthcare Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Psychologist Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median psychologist salary in Columbia, SC is $76,797 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$76,797
vs State Avg
+$853
vs National
$-8,533
Cost of Living
90%

Psychologist Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median psychologist salary of $76,797, which is $853 above the South Carolina state average of $75,944. Compared to the national median of $85,330, 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 psychologists in Columbia spans from $43,200 at the 10th percentile to $139,500 at the 90th percentile — a $96,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior psychologists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $130,500. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Psychologist Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level psychologist earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $130,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,800
$-5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$79,200
$-8,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$130,500
$-14,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $43,200
25th Percentile $57,600
Median (50th) $76,797
75th Percentile $103,500
90th Percentile $139,500

Psychologist Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$89,597
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$85,330
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$81,064
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$78,504
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Psychologist in Columbia

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Psychologist Jobs in Columbia

Browse open psychologist positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Columbia

How much does a Psychologist make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $76,797 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $43,200 (10th percentile) to $139,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $76,797, a psychologist in Columbia earns approximately $37 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for psychologist pay? ▼
Columbia's median psychologist salary of $76,797 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $75,944. 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 psychologist salary of $76,797 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a psychologist in Columbia? ▼
Most psychologist positions in Columbia require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Psychotherapy, Psychological Assessment, CBT/DBT, Research Methods. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.