SalaryNode

Average Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, professionals in Office and Administrative Support Occupations earn an average annual salary of $45,170. This figure is slightly below the national average of $49,530, a common trend in regions with a lower cost of living. Local economic factors and industry demand play a significant role in shaping compensation for these vital roles.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $45,170 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,130.
  • Outlook: Columbia, SC boasts a substantial workforce of 52,820 individuals within Office and Administrative Support Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 1.16, this sector is more concentrated in Columbia than the national average, indicating a robust and potentially growing demand for these administrative professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$45,170

The average Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Columbia, SC earns-8.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$21.7

Weekly

$869

Monthly

$3,764

Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC

Career progression in Office and Administrative Support Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. The gap between lower and higher percentile earnings highlights the substantial earning potential for experienced professionals who develop specialized skills and take on greater responsibilities.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff.10% (Entry)$28,940$13.9
Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction.25% (Junior)$33,878$16.3
ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery.50% (Median)$41,380$19.9
Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management.75% (Senior)$56,463$27.1
Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations.90% (Expert)$65,130$31.3

Detailed Office and Administrative Support Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$45,170

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$45,170

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $45,170 in Columbia, SC aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (Index 100). This means that the purchasing power of an administrative professional's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering stable financial footing.

Job Market Context

52,820

Total Jobs

136.864

Per 1K Jobs

1.16

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.16, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Office and Administrative Support Occupations roles compared to the national norm.

A Location Quotient of 1.16 signifies that Office and Administrative Support Occupations are more prevalent in Columbia, SC, compared to the national landscape. This suggests a healthy job market with potentially more opportunities and a slightly higher demand for skilled administrative talent than the average U.S. city.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Office and Administrative Support Occupations make in Columbia, SC?

The median annual salary for a Office and Administrative Support Occupations in Columbia, SC is $45,170. This typically ranges from $28,940 for entry-level positions to $65,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 8.8% lower than the national median of $49,530.

Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Office and Administrative Support Occupations?

Yes, with a stable cost of living.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable. The higher concentration of these jobs suggests good market stability.

Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Office and Administrative Support Occupations?

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 ($42,660) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.

How does Columbia, SC compare to the national average salary for this role?

The average annual salary in Columbia, SC is $45,170, which is approximately 8.8% lower than the national average of $49,530.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Columbia, SC?

An LQ of 1.16 indicates that Office and Administrative Support Occupations are 16% more concentrated in Columbia, SC, than the national average, suggesting a stronger presence and potentially more job availability in this sector locally.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect salary perception?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Columbia, SC is at the national average. This means the $45,170 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making it a fair compensation relative to expenses.

What does 'Jobs per 1,000 Workers' tell us about the administrative job market in Columbia, SC?

With 136.864 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric indicates a significant number of administrative support roles relative to the overall workforce, reinforcing the sector's importance 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 52,820 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 136.864 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.