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Average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary in Columbia, SC

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $58,430. This figure is slightly below the national average of $60,060, reflecting a localized compensation structure influenced by regional economic factors and the specific demand within the South Carolina job market. While the nominal salary is a key indicator, understanding the broader economic context is crucial for a complete picture.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $58,430 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,980.
  • Outlook: The job market for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Columbia, SC, appears robust, with a local workforce of 1,820 individuals in this role. The Location Quotient of 2.12 significantly exceeds the national average, indicating a higher concentration of these professionals in Columbia relative to the rest of the country. This suggests a strong and potentially growing demand for their services within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$58,430

The average Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Columbia, SC earns-2.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$28.1

Weekly

$1,124

Monthly

$4,869

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions will likely command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can expect to earn considerably more, potentially reaching into the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ProbationaryInitial licensure. Mentored by senior faculty.10% (Entry)$37,830$18.2
Tenured / ProProfessional status. Curriculum development.25% (Junior)$43,823$21.1
Senior EducatorDepartment chair. Mentors student teachers.50% (Median)$58,990$28.4
Lead SpecialistInstructional coach, reading specialist, or VP.75% (Senior)$73,038$35.1
AdministratorPrincipal, District Admin, or Consultant.90% (Expert)$78,980$38

Detailed Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$58,430

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$58,430

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $58,430 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a counselor's salary in Columbia is comparable to that of a counselor earning the national average in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary effectively translates to a stable standard of living without the immediate pressure of high living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,820

Total Jobs

4.704

Per 1K Jobs

2.12

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbia, SC has 2.1x the national concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

With a Location Quotient of 2.12, Columbia, SC, exhibits a significantly higher concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors compared to the national average. This suggests that the job market in this area is relatively abundant with these professionals, potentially indicating a competitive environment for new entrants. However, it also points to a strong established presence and likely ongoing demand for these specialized roles within the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

CitySalaryDist.
Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary$56,430↓ 3%13 mi
Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary$60,040↑ 3%13 mi
Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary$54,230↓ 7%13 mi
Sumter, SC Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary$55,760↓ 5%30 mi
Florence, SC Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors Salary$60,710↑ 4%64 mi

Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC

Hiring Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors in Columbia, SC is $58,430. This typically ranges from $37,830 for entry-level positions to $78,980 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 2.7% lower than the national median of $60,060.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?

Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the nominal salary hold its value. The high concentration of these roles (LQ 2.12) indicates strong local demand.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors?

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 ($56,430) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

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

The average annual salary in Columbia, SC, is $58,430, which is slightly lower than the national average of $60,060.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Columbia, SC?

An LQ of 2.12 means that Columbia, SC, has more than double the national average concentration of Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors, indicating a robust local presence and demand for these professionals.

Does the cost of living affect the perceived value of the salary in Columbia, SC?

No, the cost of living index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $58,430 salary has purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does the total local workforce number indicate?

A total local workforce of 1,820 for this role suggests a substantial and established presence of these professionals within Columbia, SC, contributing to the overall job market dynamics.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,820 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 4.704 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC