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Average Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, Dispatchers (excluding police, fire, and ambulance services) earn an average annual salary of $50,000. This figure is slightly below the national average of $52,710, suggesting that local economic factors and demand play a significant role in compensation within this specific role in the South Carolina capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $50,000 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,740.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 450 individuals in this role, Columbia, SC presents a moderately sized employment landscape for Dispatchers. The Location Quotient of 0.86 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand within the immediate area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$50,000

The average Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance in Columbia, SC earns-5.1%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$24

Weekly

$962

Monthly

$4,167

Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Salary progression for Dispatchers in Columbia, SC typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career growth trajectory within the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$34,530$16.6
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$37,500$18
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$45,760$22
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$62,500$30
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$73,740$35.5

Detailed Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$50,000

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$50,000

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $50,000 in Columbia, SC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Dispatcher's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a balanced financial standing relative to living expenses.

Job Market Context

450

Total Jobs

1.175

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Columbia, SC has 0.86x the national average concentration of Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance 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 0.86 for Dispatchers in Columbia, SC suggests that the job market is not oversaturated but also not exceptionally concentrated compared to national benchmarks. This indicates a steady presence of these roles, offering a competitive environment for job seekers without an overwhelming surplus of candidates.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance in Columbia, SC is $50,000. This typically ranges from $34,530 for entry-level positions to $73,740 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.1% lower than the national median of $52,710.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulances?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $50,000 is stable, it falls slightly below the national average, and the concentration of these roles is also lower than the national average.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulances?

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 ($44,280) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local workforce size affect Dispatcher jobs in Columbia, SC?

The local workforce of 450 Dispatchers indicates a significant, established presence of this profession within Columbia, SC, contributing to the overall employment landscape.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.86 mean for Dispatchers in Columbia, SC?

A Location Quotient of 0.86 signifies that Columbia, SC has a slightly lower concentration of Dispatcher jobs per capita than the national average, suggesting a stable but not overly dominant presence of this career field.

How does the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC compare to the national average for Dispatchers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Columbia, SC matches the national average, meaning the $50,000 salary offers a comparable standard of living to the typical American city.

Are there many job opportunities for Dispatchers in Columbia, SC?

The data suggests a steady number of opportunities, with 1.175 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a consistent demand for Dispatchers in the Columbia, SC area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.175 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.