Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia, SC: $55,638 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median real estate appraiser salary of $55,638, which is $618 above the South Carolina state average of $55,020. Compared to the national median of $61,820, 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 appraisers in Columbia spans from $32,400 at the 10th percentile to $91,800 at the 90th percentile — a $59,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,200, while senior real estate appraisers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level real estate appraiser earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,200

$-3,800 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$56,700

$-6,300 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$86,400

$-9,600 vs national

Percentile	Columbia	SC State	National
10th Percentile	$32,400	$32,040	$36,000
25th Percentile	$41,400	$40,940	$46,000
Median (50th)	$55,638	$55,020	$61,820
75th Percentile	$72,000	$71,200	$80,000
90th Percentile	$91,800	$90,780	$102,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$32,400

25th Percentile

$41,400

Median (50th)

$55,638

75th Percentile

$72,000

90th Percentile

$91,800

How to Become a Real Estate Appraiser in Columbia

Education

Most real estate appraiser positions require a bachelor's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Property ValuationMarket AnalysisReport WritingUSPAP StandardsMLS SystemsAttention to Detail

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate appraiser 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.

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia

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

The median real estate appraiser salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $55,638 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $61,820. Salaries range from $32,400 (10th percentile) to $91,800 (90th percentile).

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

Based on the median annual salary of $55,638, a real estate appraiser in Columbia earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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

Columbia's median real estate appraiser salary of $55,638 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $55,020. 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 appraiser salary of $55,638 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 appraiser in Columbia? ▼

Most real estate appraiser positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Property Valuation, Market Analysis, Report Writing, USPAP Standards. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.

Real Estate Appraiser Salary in Columbia, South Carolina