Average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary in Columbia, SC
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $36,120. This figure is notably below the national average of $40,600, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation within this sector in the South Carolina capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $36,120 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 26.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $46,350.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,920 individuals, the landscaping and groundskeeping sector in Columbia, SC, represents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, segment of the labor market. The Location Quotient of 0.81 indicates a presence that is slightly below the national average concentration, suggesting a steady demand that aligns with the general economic activity rather than a specialized boom.
Salary Overview
The average Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC earns-11.0%below the national average.
$17.4
$695
$3,010
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Columbia, SC, is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries over the past four years, mirroring national patterns. Economic growth and increased awareness of landscaping's importance in property value and environmental aesthetics likely contribute to gradual wage increases for dedicated professionals in the field.
Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC, typically involves a salary increase tied to experience and skill development. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with expertise in specialized areas like arboriculture or landscape design can command significantly higher salaries, reflecting the percentile gaps in earnings.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $26,600 | $12.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $27,090 | $13 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $35,730 | $17.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $45,150 | $21.7 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $46,350 | $22.3 |
Detailed Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$36,120
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$36,120
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $36,120 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 a landscaper's income in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
1,920
Total Jobs
4.968
Per 1K Jobs
0.81
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.81x the national average concentration of Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.81 for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC, signifies that the concentration of these jobs is slightly less than the national average. This suggests a market that is neither oversaturated nor experiencing exceptionally high demand relative to other professions, indicating a balanced environment for job seekers and employers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary | $32,390↓ 10% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary | $32,530↓ 10% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary | $33,160↓ 8% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary | $31,420↓ 13% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers Salary | $32,810↓ 9% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC is $36,120. This typically ranges from $26,600 for entry-level positions to $46,350 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 11.0% lower than the national median of $40,600.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workerss?
No, not particularly lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $36,120 is below the national average of $40,600, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers?
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 ($32,390) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
What is the average salary for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC?
The average annual salary for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers in Columbia, SC, is $36,120.
How does Columbia, SC's cost of living compare to the national average?
Columbia, SC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average.
How concentrated is the landscaping job market in Columbia, SC?
The job market concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.81, is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced presence of these roles.
How many Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers are there in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 1,920 Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers employed in 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 1,920 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 4.968 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC