Average Computer Hardware Engineers Salary in Columbia, SC
The average salary for Computer Hardware Engineerss in Columbia, SC is $117,650. While this is lower than the national average, the cost of living in Columbia, SC may offset the difference, preserving real purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $117,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.7% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $208,450.
- Outlook: The current demand for Computer Hardware Engineerss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 30 professionals. This role remains a specialized component of the broader Columbia, SC economy.
Salary Overview
The average Computer Hardware Engineers in Columbia, SC earns-25.7%below the national average.
$56.6
$2,263
$9,804
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 1 years, Computer Hardware Engineers salaries in Columbia, SC have seen a slight adjustment of -7.7%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Computer Hardware Engineers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The earning potential for Computer Hardware Engineerss in Columbia, SC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 4.1x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $50,660, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $208,450.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $50,660 | $24.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $88,238 | $42.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $101,780 | $48.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $147,063 | $70.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $208,450 | $100.2 |
Detailed Computer Hardware Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$117,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,650
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $117,650 to $117,650.
Job Market Context
30
Total Jobs
0.081
Per 1K Jobs
0.17
Location Quotient
At 0.17x, Columbia, SC has a notably lower concentration of Computer Hardware Engineers jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.
30 people work as Computer Hardware Engineers in Columbia, SC.
Only 0.081 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Computer Hardware Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Computer Hardware Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Computer Hardware Engineers make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Computer Hardware Engineers in Columbia, SC is $117,650. This typically ranges from $50,660 for entry-level positions to $208,450 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 25.7% lower than the national median of $158,430.
Is Columbia, SC a good place for Computer Hardware Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Computer Hardware Engineers salary in Columbia, SC is $117,650 (below the national average), the area may offer a lower cost of living or other lifestyle benefits typical of Columbia, SC. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Computer Hardware Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 30 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.081 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Computer Hardware Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC