Average Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary in Columbia, SC
In Columbia, SC, Packers and Packagers, Hand earn an average annual salary of $30,660. This figure is notably below the national average of $36,580, reflecting localized economic factors and regional demand specific to the South Carolina market. The prevailing wage in Columbia is influenced by the cost of labor and the concentration of industries requiring these roles within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $30,660 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $38,530.
- Outlook: The job market for Packers and Packagers, Hand in Columbia, SC, is characterized by a local workforce of 770 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 0.51, the concentration of these roles is below the national average, suggesting a less saturated market relative to other occupations. While the absolute number of jobs per 1,000 workers stands at 2.006, indicating a modest presence, the lower LQ implies that opportunities may be more specialized or less abundant compared to national hubs.
Salary Overview
The average Packers and Packagers, Hand in Columbia, SC earns-16.2%below the national average.
$14.7
$590
$2,555
Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this role in Columbia, SC, is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Packers and Packagers, Hand have seen incremental growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends. Inflationary pressures and adjustments in minimum wage laws typically contribute to a gradual upward movement in compensation for manual labor roles, even in localized markets.
Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Packers and Packagers, Hand typically involves moving from entry-level positions to more experienced or specialized roles. While specific salary percentiles are not detailed here, it's understood that individuals with greater experience, specialized skills, or supervisory responsibilities can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior positions often signifies the accumulation of expertise and the ability to handle more complex tasks, leading to increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $24,100 | $11.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $22,995 | $11.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $29,150 | $14 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $38,325 | $18.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $38,530 | $18.5 |
Detailed Packers and Packagers, Hand Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$30,660
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$30,660
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $30,660 in Columbia, SC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average for this occupation, the purchasing power of that income is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, relocating to Columbia, SC, for this role would not result in a significant change in lifestyle costs compared to the national standard.
Job Market Context
770
Total Jobs
2.006
Per 1K Jobs
0.51
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.51x the national average concentration of Packers and Packagers, Hand jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.51, the market for Packers and Packagers, Hand in Columbia, SC, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the occupation is present, it is not a dominant sector within the local employment landscape. The job market is likely less competitive in terms of the sheer number of applicants per opening compared to areas with a higher LQ, potentially offering a more stable, albeit less robust, employment environment.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Packers and Packagers, Hand
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $31,630↑ 3% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $31,060↑ 1% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $32,600↑ 6% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $28,850↓ 6% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Packers and Packagers, Hand Salary | $27,400↓ 11% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Packers and Packagers, Hands?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Packers and Packagers, Hand make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Packers and Packagers, Hand in Columbia, SC is $30,660. This typically ranges from $24,100 for entry-level positions to $38,530 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 16.2% lower than the national median of $36,580.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Packers and Packagers, Hands?
No, it is not particularly lucrative.The average salary of $30,660 is significantly lower than the national average, and the market concentration is below the national benchmark.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Packers and Packagers, 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 ($31,630) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect the salary?
The cost of living in Columbia, SC, is at the national average (100), meaning the $30,660 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary for this role.
What is the concentration of Packers and Packagers, Hand jobs in Columbia, SC?
The concentration, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.51, which is below the national average, indicating fewer jobs relative to other occupations in the area.
How many Packers and Packagers, Hand work in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 770 Packers and Packagers, Hand employed in Columbia, SC, representing 2.006 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Is experience important for Packers and Packagers, Hand salaries in Columbia, SC?
Yes, experience typically leads to higher salaries, with senior roles commanding more pay than entry-level positions, reflecting increased skills and responsibilities.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 770 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 2.006 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Packers and Packagers, Hand • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC