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Average Automotive Body and Related Repairers Salary in Columbia, SC

Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $55,450. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,720, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within the South Carolina market. While the nominal salary is lower, understanding the local cost of living is crucial for a complete financial picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $55,450 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $98,090.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 370 professionals, the market for Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC, indicates a stable, albeit not rapidly expanding, demand. The Location Quotient of 0.95 suggests that the concentration of these roles is very close to the national average, implying a balanced job market where opportunities exist but are not exceptionally abundant.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$55,450

The average Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC earns-5.6%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26.7

Weekly

$1,066

Monthly

$4,621

Automotive Body and Related Repairers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression for Automotive Body and Related Repairers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technicians with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary data often signify these levels of expertise and responsibility.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,640$17.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$41,588$20
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$48,490$23.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$69,313$33.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$98,090$47.2

Detailed Automotive Body and Related Repairers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$55,450

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$55,450

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $55,450 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an Automotive Body and Related Repairer's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial standing relative to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

0.954

Per 1K Jobs

0.95

Location Quotient

Below Average

Columbia, SC has 0.95x the national average concentration of Automotive Body and Related Repairers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.95 for Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC, indicates a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a healthy level of competition and availability of roles, without being overly saturated or scarce, making it a moderately accessible market for skilled professionals.

Nearby Job Markets

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Automotive Body and Related Repairers make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC is $55,450. This typically ranges from $36,640 for entry-level positions to $98,090 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.6% lower than the national median of $58,720.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Automotive Body and Related Repairerss?

No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the average salary of $55,450 is respectable, it falls slightly below the national average. However, the cost of living being exactly at the national average means the purchasing power is equivalent, making it neither exceptionally lucrative nor disadvantageous.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Automotive Body and Related Repairers?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Columbia, SC?

Some top paying nearby cities include Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area ($50,580) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia compare to the national average?

Columbia, SC has approximately 0.954 Automotive Body and Related Repairers per 1,000 workers, which is very close to the national average, indicating a similar level of concentration.

What is the total number of Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC?

The total local workforce for Automotive Body and Related Repairers in Columbia, SC, consists of 370 individuals.

Does experience significantly impact salary for this role in Columbia?

Yes, as with most skilled trades, experience is a key driver of salary. Senior technicians with specialized skills and a proven track record typically earn considerably more than entry-level repairers.

How does the cost of living in Columbia affect the salary?

The cost of living in Columbia is exactly at the national average (100). This means the $55,450 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, making it neither particularly high nor low in real terms.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.954 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.