Average Chemical Engineers Salary in Columbia, SC
The average salary for Chemical Engineerss in Columbia, SC is $114,300. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Columbia, SC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power. Notably, Columbia, SC is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.75x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $114,300 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 30.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $142,370.
- Outlook: The current demand for Chemical Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 90 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Chemical Engineers in Columbia, SC earns-11.5%below the national average.
$55
$2,198
$9,525
Chemical Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Chemical Engineers salaries in Columbia, SC have experienced a rapid surge, growing by 30.8%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Chemical Engineers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The earning potential for Chemical Engineerss in Columbia, SC varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $80,460, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $142,370.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $80,460 | $38.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $85,725 | $41.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $105,870 | $50.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $142,875 | $68.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $142,370 | $68.4 |
Detailed Chemical Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$114,300
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$114,300
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $114,300 to $114,300.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.231
Per 1K Jobs
1.75
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 1.8x the national concentration of Chemical Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
90 people work as Chemical Engineers in Columbia, SC.
Only 0.231 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Chemical Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Chemical Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Chemical Engineers Salary | $112,380↓ 2% | 13 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Chemical Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Chemical Engineers make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Chemical Engineers in Columbia, SC is $114,300. This typically ranges from $80,460 for entry-level positions to $142,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 11.5% lower than the national median of $129,210.
Is Columbia, SC a good place for Chemical Engineerss?
Yes, Columbia, SC is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($114,300), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Chemical Engineerss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Chemical Engineers?
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 ($112,380) and others.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 90 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.231 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Chemical Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC