SalaryNode

Average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand earn an average annual salary of $38,810. This figure is slightly below the national average of $41,390, suggesting that local economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation for these essential roles within the state capital.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $38,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $47,660.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 8,010 individuals in this sector and a Location Quotient of 1.07, Columbia, SC demonstrates a concentration of these jobs that is slightly above the national average. This indicates a stable and potentially growing demand for laborers and material movers, suggesting a robust job market for those entering or established in this field within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$38,810

The average Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Columbia, SC earns-6.2%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$18.7

Weekly

$746

Monthly

$3,234

Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Experience significantly impacts earning potential for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The percentile gaps in salary distribution signify clear career progression pathways and opportunities for increased compensation with accumulated expertise.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$29,760$14.3
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$29,108$14
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$37,580$18.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$48,513$23.3
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$47,660$22.9

Detailed Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$38,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$38,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $38,810 in Columbia, SC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the salary in Columbia is comparable to the national average, indicating that the nominal salary offers a standard of living equivalent to the typical American city.

Job Market Context

8,010

Total Jobs

20.759

Per 1K Jobs

1.07

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.07, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.07 signifies that Columbia, SC has a slightly higher concentration of Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand jobs compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for these roles, making the job market competitive but also indicating ample opportunities for skilled individuals within the area.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Columbia, SC is $38,810. This typically ranges from $29,760 for entry-level positions to $47,660 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.2% lower than the national median of $41,390.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

Yes, with caveats.The average salary of $38,810 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The slightly above-average concentration of jobs (LQ 1.07) indicates steady demand.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hands?

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 ($36,050) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does the average salary in Columbia, SC compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand in Columbia, SC is $38,810, which is slightly lower than the national average of $41,390.

What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC relative to the national average?

Columbia, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the general cost of goods and services is neither significantly higher nor lower than the typical US city.

How concentrated are jobs for Material Movers in Columbia, SC?

The Location Quotient (LQ) for these roles in Columbia, SC is 1.07, indicating a slightly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.

What does the total local workforce size suggest about job availability?

With 8,010 individuals employed in this sector locally, the workforce size suggests a substantial presence of these jobs, supporting the idea of consistent demand and opportunity within Columbia, SC.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,010 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 20.759 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.