Creative & Education Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Social Worker Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median social worker salary in Columbia, SC is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$49,815
vs State Avg
+$553
vs National
$-5,535
Cost of Living
90%

Social Worker Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level social worker earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,800 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)
$50,400
$-5,600 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,800
$-8,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $32,760
25th Percentile $39,780
Median (50th) $49,815
75th Percentile $63,360
90th Percentile $79,020

Social Worker Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$58,118
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$55,350
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$52,583
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$50,922
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Social Worker in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Columbia

Browse open social worker positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Columbia

How much does a Social Worker make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median social worker salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $49,815 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,760 (10th percentile) to $79,020 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,815, a social worker in Columbia earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for social worker pay? ▼
Columbia's median social worker salary of $49,815 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $49,262. 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 social worker salary of $49,815 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Columbia? ▼
Most social worker positions in Columbia require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.