Average Environmental Engineers Salary in Columbia, SC
The average salary for Environmental Engineerss in Columbia, SC is $93,860. 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: $93,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $136,660.
- Outlook: The current demand for Environmental 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 Environmental Engineers in Columbia, SC earns-17.1%below the national average.
$45.1
$1,805
$7,822
Environmental Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Environmental Engineers salaries in Columbia, SC have shown healthy growth of 10.6%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Environmental Engineers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The earning potential for Environmental Engineerss in Columbia, SC varies significantly by experience level. There is a substantial income gap, with top earners (90th percentile) making over 3.2x the starting salary. This indicates strong career progression opportunities. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $42,940, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $136,660.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $42,940 | $20.6 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $70,395 | $33.8 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $80,380 | $38.6 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $117,325 | $56.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $136,660 | $65.7 |
Detailed Environmental Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$93,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$93,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Columbia, SC, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $93,860 to $93,860.
Job Market Context
90
Total Jobs
0.236
Per 1K Jobs
0.96
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.96x the national average concentration of Environmental Engineers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
90 people work as Environmental Engineers in Columbia, SC.
Only 0.236 out of every 1,000 local jobs are Environmental Engineers roles — this is a niche profession in the area.
Nearby Job Markets
Hiring Environmental Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Environmental Engineers make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Environmental Engineers in Columbia, SC is $93,860. This typically ranges from $42,940 for entry-level positions to $136,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 17.1% lower than the national median of $113,240.
Is Columbia, SC a good place for Environmental Engineerss?
It depends on your priorities. While the average Environmental Engineers salary in Columbia, SC is $93,860 (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 Environmental 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 90 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.236 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Environmental Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC