Urban Planner Salary in Columbia, South Carolina
The median urban planner salary in Columbia, SC is $71,586 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.
Urban Planner Pay in Columbia: What to Expect (2026)
Columbia offers a median urban planner salary of $71,586, which is $795 above the South Carolina state average of $70,791. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 urban planners in Columbia spans from $45,000 at the 10th percentile to $109,800 at the 90th percentile — a $64,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,800, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $106,200. With a population of 131,674, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.
Urban Planner Salary in Columbia by Experience
In Columbia, an entry-level urban planner earns around $46,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC
| Percentile | Columbia |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $45,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,700 |
| Median (50th) | $71,586 |
| 75th Percentile | $90,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $109,800 |
Urban Planner Salary in Other South Carolina Cities
How to Become a Urban Planner in Columbia
Education
Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Columbia and the surrounding South Carolina area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, urban planner employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Urban Planner Jobs in Columbia
Browse open urban planner positions in Columbia, SC: