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Average Loan Officers Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, Loan Officers can expect an average annual salary of $76,480. This figure is notably below the national average of $86,220, reflecting localized economic conditions and demand specific to the South Carolina market. Factors such as regional lending practices and the overall economic climate in Columbia contribute to this pay differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $76,480 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.8% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $131,800.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 660 Loan Officers and a Location Quotient of 0.9, Columbia, SC, presents a stable, albeit slightly below-average concentration of these professionals compared to national benchmarks. The presence of 1.702 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent, though not booming, demand for loan officers in the area, suggesting a steady job market for those in the profession.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$76,480

The average Loan Officers in Columbia, SC earns-11.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$36.8

Weekly

$1,471

Monthly

$6,373

Loan Officers Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

The career path for Loan Officers in Columbia, SC, typically involves significant salary progression based on experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and a proven track record can command salaries in the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential available as one advances in the field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$34,960$16.8
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$57,360$27.6
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$63,400$30.5
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$95,600$46
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$131,800$63.4

Detailed Loan Officers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$76,480

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$76,480

Adjusted for COL (100)

For individuals considering a move to Columbia, SC, the average Loan Officer salary of $76,480 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Loan Officer's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, making it neither exceptionally advantageous nor disadvantageous from a cost-of-living perspective.

Job Market Context

660

Total Jobs

1.702

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Columbia, SC has 0.90x the national average concentration of Loan Officers 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 0.9 for Loan Officers in Columbia, SC, indicates that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the job market is stable, it may not be as saturated as in other regions, potentially offering moderate competition for new entrants and a balanced environment for experienced professionals seeking opportunities.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Loan Officerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Loan Officers make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Loan Officers in Columbia, SC is $76,480. This typically ranges from $34,960 for entry-level positions to $131,800 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 11.3% lower than the national median of $86,220.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Loan Officers?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $76,480 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $86,220. However, the cost of living matches the national average, offering equivalent purchasing power.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Loan Officers?

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 ($69,830) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does Columbia, SC's Loan Officer salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Loan Officers in Columbia, SC, is $76,480, which is approximately $9,740 less than the national average of $86,220.

What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC for Loan Officers?

The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC, is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means that the general cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the United States.

How concentrated is the Loan Officer job market in Columbia, SC?

The job market for Loan Officers in Columbia, SC, has a Location Quotient of 0.9, indicating a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average.

What is the total number of Loan Officers employed in Columbia, SC?

There are approximately 660 Loan Officers employed in Columbia, SC, representing 1.702 jobs per 1,000 workers in 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 660 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 1.702 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.