Trades & Labor Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Solar Installer Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median solar installer salary in Columbia, SC is $42,903 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$42,903
vs State Avg
+$477
vs National
$-4,767
Cost of Living
90%

Solar Installer Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)

Columbia offers a median solar installer salary of $42,903, which is $477 above the South Carolina state average of $42,426. Compared to the national median of $47,670, 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 solar installers in Columbia spans from $28,800 at the 10th percentile to $64,800 at the 90th percentile — a $36,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,600, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Solar Installer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level solar installer earns around $30,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,600
$-3,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$44,100
$-4,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $28,800
25th Percentile $34,200
Median (50th) $42,903
75th Percentile $54,000
90th Percentile $64,800

Solar Installer Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$50,054
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$47,670
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$45,287
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$43,856
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Solar Installer in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Columbia

Browse open solar installer positions in Columbia, SC:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Solar Installer make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $42,903 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $28,800 (10th percentile) to $64,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,903, a solar installer in Columbia earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Columbia's median solar installer salary of $42,903 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $42,426. 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 solar installer salary of $42,903 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Columbia? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.