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Average Computer Systems Analysts Salary in Columbia, SC

Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $86,940. This figure is notably below the national average of $113,950, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a lower demand or different industry focus in the region contribute to this compensation level. Understanding these local factors is crucial for professionals in this field.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $86,940 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $124,600.
  • Outlook: The Computer Systems Analyst job market in Columbia, SC, shows a healthy concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.57, which is 57% higher than the national average. With a local workforce of 1,950 professionals, this suggests a robust demand for these skills relative to the national landscape, despite the lower average salary.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$86,940

The average Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC earns-23.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$41.8

Weekly

$1,672

Monthly

$7,245

Computer Systems Analysts Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Salary progression for Computer Systems Analysts typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior analysts with specialized skills and extensive project management experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in salary distributions clearly signify the career trajectory and earning potential as professionals advance.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$49,450$23.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$65,205$31.3
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$87,880$42.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$108,675$52.2
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$124,600$59.9

Detailed Computer Systems Analysts Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$86,940

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$86,940

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $86,940 for Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for professionals in this role.

Job Market Context

1,950

Total Jobs

5.058

Per 1K Jobs

1.57

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbia, SC has 1.6x the national concentration of Computer Systems Analysts jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

A Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates that Columbia, SC, has a higher concentration of Computer Systems Analysts than the national average. This suggests a relatively strong and potentially competitive job market for these professionals, with employers actively seeking this specialized talent pool.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Computer Systems Analystss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Computer Systems Analysts make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC is $86,940. This typically ranges from $49,450 for entry-level positions to $124,600 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 23.7% lower than the national median of $113,950.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Computer Systems Analysts?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary of $86,940 is below the national average, the strong Location Quotient of 1.57 indicates high demand relative to other locations. Combined with a cost of living that matches the national average, the compensation offers good purchasing power within the local market.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Computer Systems Analysts?

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 ($87,770) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the Columbia, SC salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC, is $86,940, which is lower than the national average of $113,950.

What is the concentration of Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, has a Location Quotient of 1.57 for Computer Systems Analysts, meaning the concentration of these jobs is 57% higher than the national average.

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

The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is exactly at the national average (Index 100), meaning the $86,940 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total workforce of Computer Systems Analysts in Columbia, SC?

There are approximately 1,950 Computer Systems Analysts working in Columbia, SC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,950 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 5.058 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.