SalaryNode

Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $43,640. This figure is slightly above the national average of $41,160, suggesting that local market dynamics and specific industry demands in the region contribute to this elevated compensation. The unique economic landscape of South Carolina plays a significant role in shaping these earnings.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $43,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,060.
  • Outlook: The local workforce for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC, comprises approximately 450 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.41, this sector is less concentrated than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but also less dominant job market. The number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 1.169, providing a snapshot of employment opportunities within the broader economic context.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$43,640

The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC earns+6.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21

Weekly

$839

Monthly

$3,637

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC, typically leads to significant salary increases. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command substantially higher salaries. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation reflects the value placed on expertise and demonstrated performance in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$26,320$12.7
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$32,730$15.7
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$39,630$19.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$54,550$26.2
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$65,060$31.3

Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$43,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$43,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $43,640 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing for residents without the added pressure of higher living expenses or the benefit of significantly lower costs.

Job Market Context

450

Total Jobs

1.169

Per 1K Jobs

0.41

Location Quotient

Low Concentration

At 0.41x, Columbia, SC has a notably lower concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs than the national average. Opportunities in this area are relatively scarce for this profession.

A Location Quotient of 0.41 for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC, signifies that this sector is less prevalent in the local economy compared to the national average. This suggests that while job opportunities may exist, the market is not as robust or specialized as in other regions, potentially leading to fewer openings but also less direct competition for those seeking employment.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC is $43,640. This typically ranges from $26,320 for entry-level positions to $65,060 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.0% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Moderately. The average salary slightly exceeds the national average, but the sector's concentration is below the national average.While the average salary of $43,640 is favorable compared to the national average, the lower Location Quotient indicates a less dominant market. This suggests moderate earning potential rather than exceptional lucrativeness.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?

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 ($46,140) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC, is $43,640, which is slightly higher than the national average of $41,160.

What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC?

Columbia, SC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly at the national average, meaning living expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

How concentrated is the Farming, Fishing, and Forestry sector in Columbia, SC?

The sector's concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.41, indicating it is less concentrated in Columbia, SC, compared to the national average.

What is the total workforce size for these occupations in Columbia, SC?

The total local workforce for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Columbia, SC, is approximately 450 individuals.

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 1.169 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.