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Average Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators Salary in Columbia, SC

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $44,590. This figure is slightly below the national average of $47,320, a common occurrence in regions with a cost of living that aligns precisely with the national benchmark. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in shaping compensation for these specialized roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $44,590 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $58,320.
  • Outlook: The fiberglass fabrication sector in Columbia, SC, demonstrates a robust presence, indicated by a total local workforce of 210 individuals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 4.56 suggests a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, pointing towards strong local demand and a specialized industry cluster.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$44,590

The average Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in Columbia, SC earns-5.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.4

Weekly

$858

Monthly

$3,716

Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators typically involves a salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting and experienced roles often signifies the acquisition of advanced techniques, quality control expertise, and supervisory responsibilities, leading to higher earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,230$18.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$33,443$16.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$40,230$19.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$55,738$26.8
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$58,320$28

Detailed Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$44,590

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$44,590

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $44,590 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in Columbia, SC, find their nominal earnings directly comparable to the national cost of living. This means that the purchasing power of their salary is effectively aligned with the national average, offering stability for those relocating.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

0.547

Per 1K Jobs

4.56

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Columbia, SC has 4.6x the national concentration of Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 4.56 for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in Columbia, SC, is a strong indicator of a highly concentrated job market. This suggests that the area is a significant hub for this profession, potentially offering more specialized opportunities and a competitive environment for skilled workers compared to areas with lower quotients.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricatorss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators in Columbia, SC is $44,590. This typically ranges from $38,230 for entry-level positions to $58,320 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 5.8% lower than the national median of $47,320.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators?

Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the extremely high concentration of jobs (LQ of 4.56) indicates strong local demand and potential for specialized roles, making it a significant market for this profession.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

A local workforce of 210 suggests a moderately sized, specialized community of Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators, indicating a stable but potentially competitive job market within this niche.

What does a Location Quotient of 4.56 mean for job seekers?

An LQ of 4.56 signifies that Columbia, SC, has about 4.56 times more Fiberglass Laminators and Fabricators per worker than the national average, pointing to a strong industry presence and potentially higher demand for skilled individuals.

How does the cost of living impact the $44,590 salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $44,590 salary in Columbia, SC, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses for goods and services are neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

Are there many job openings for Fiberglass Laminators in Columbia, SC?

The jobs per 1,000 workers metric of 0.547 indicates a consistent, albeit modest, level of job availability relative to the overall workforce, suggesting steady opportunities within the sector.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.547 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.