Trades & Labor Columbia, SC Pop. 131,674

Welder Salary in Columbia, South Carolina

The median welder salary in Columbia, SC is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 1.1% above the South Carolina state average.

City Median
$42,309
vs State Avg
+$470
vs National
$-4,701
Cost of Living
90%

Welder Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, an entry-level welder earns around $28,800, 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)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Columbia, SC

Percentile Columbia
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $34,920
Median (50th) $42,309
75th Percentile $52,380
90th Percentile $63,720

Welder Salary in Other South Carolina Cities

Mount Pleasant, SC
$49,361
Pop. 94,171
Charleston, SC
$47,010
Pop. 150,227
North Charleston, SC
$44,660
Pop. 115,382
Greenville, SC
$43,249
Pop. 72,095

How to Become a Welder in Columbia

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Columbia may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Columbia

Browse open welder positions in Columbia, SC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Columbia

How much does a Welder make in Columbia, SC? ▼
The median welder salary in Columbia, South Carolina is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $63,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Columbia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,309, a welder in Columbia earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbia compare to the South Carolina state average for welder pay? ▼
Columbia's median welder salary of $42,309 is 1.1% above the South Carolina state average of $41,839. 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 welder salary of $42,309 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Columbia? ▼
Most welder positions in Columbia require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.