Real Estate Agent Salary in Columbia, SC: $46,827 (2026)

Real Estate Agent Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median real estate agent salary of $46,827, which is $520 above the South Carolina state average of $46,307. Compared to the national median of $52,030, 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 real estate agents in Columbia spans from $25,920 at the 10th percentile to $101,160 at the 90th percentile — a $75,240 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,000, while senior real estate agents with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $99,000. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level real estate agent earns around $27,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $99,000 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)

$49,500

$-5,500 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$99,000

$-11,000 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$25,920	$25,632	$28,800
25th Percentile	$31,860	$31,506	$35,400
Median (50th)	$46,827	$46,307	$52,030
75th Percentile	$68,580	$67,818	$76,200
90th Percentile	$101,160	$100,036	$112,400

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$25,920

25th Percentile

$31,860

Median (50th)

$46,827

75th Percentile

$68,580

90th Percentile

$101,160

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

NegotiationMarket AnalysisCustomer ServiceMLS SystemsMarketingContract Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Agent Salary in Columbia

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in Columbia, SC? ▼

The median real estate agent salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $46,827 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $52,030. Salaries range from $25,920 (10th percentile) to $101,160 (90th percentile).

How much does a Real Estate Agent make per hour in Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $46,827, a real estate agent in Columbia earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for real estate agent pay? ▼

Columbia's median real estate agent salary of $46,827 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $46,307. 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 real estate agent salary of $46,827 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a real estate agent in Columbia? ▼

Most real estate agent positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include Negotiation, Market Analysis, Customer Service, MLS Systems. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Columbia, South Carolina