Average Financial and Investment Analysts Salary in Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, Financial and Investment Analysts earn an average annual salary of $101,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $117,950, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially a different industry focus influence compensation in this region. While the nominal salary is substantial, understanding its local purchasing power is key.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $101,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 45.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $151,250.
- Outlook: The Financial and Investment Analyst job market in Columbia, SC, supports a local workforce of 520 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.61, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, indicating a less saturated but potentially less robust demand compared to national hubs. The presence of 1.358 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a steady, albeit not explosive, employment landscape for these specialists.
Salary Overview
The average Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia, SC earns-14.3%below the national average.
$48.6
$1,945
$8,427
Financial and Investment Analysts Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Columbia, SC is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Financial and Investment Analysts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This upward trajectory is typically driven by increasing demand for financial expertise, evolving market complexities, and inflation, leading to higher compensation packages for skilled professionals in the field.
Financial and Investment Analysts Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
The salary spectrum for Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia, SC, naturally widens with experience. Entry-level positions will likely fall towards the lower percentiles of the $101,120 average, while senior analysts with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher, reaching into the upper percentiles. This progression signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential as expertise grows.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $51,420 | $24.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $75,840 | $36.5 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $84,390 | $40.6 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $126,400 | $60.8 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $151,250 | $72.7 |
Detailed Financial and Investment Analysts Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$101,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$101,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $101,120 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal income earned by Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia holds its purchasing power at the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
1.358
Per 1K Jobs
0.61
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.61x the national average concentration of Financial and Investment Analysts 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 0.61 for Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia, SC, indicates that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while the job market is not as saturated as in major financial centers, there may also be fewer specialized opportunities or a smaller pool of highly specialized roles. It presents a market where professionals might find less direct competition but also potentially a more limited scope of advanced career paths.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Financial and Investment Analysts
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Financial and Investment Analysts Salary | $110,000↑ 9% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Financial and Investment Analysts Salary | $87,810↓ 13% | 13 mi |
| Florence, SC Financial and Investment Analysts Salary | $91,090↓ 10% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Financial and Investment Analystss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Financial and Investment Analysts make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia, SC is $101,120. This typically ranges from $51,420 for entry-level positions to $151,250 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 14.3% lower than the national median of $117,950.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Financial and Investment Analysts?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $101,120 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $117,950. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power is comparable.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Financial and Investment Analysts?
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 ($110,000) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 520 Financial and Investment Analysts suggests a moderate-sized professional community, indicating a stable but not rapidly expanding job market.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.61 mean for job seekers?
A Location Quotient below 1.0 signifies that Financial and Investment Analysts are less concentrated in Columbia, SC, than nationally, implying fewer specialized roles but potentially less competition for generalist positions.
How does the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC compare nationally?
Columbia, SC, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is standard.
What is the job density for Financial and Investment Analysts in Columbia, SC?
With 1.358 jobs per 1,000 workers, the density indicates a consistent presence of Financial and Investment Analyst roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.358 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Financial and Investment Analysts • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC