Average Project Management Specialists Salary in Columbia, SC
Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $94,000. This figure is below the national average of $108,900, reflecting a localized market dynamic. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific economic landscape of South Carolina contribute to this compensation difference.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $94,000 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $138,430.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,120 Project Management Specialists, Columbia, SC, presents a moderately sized professional community. The Location Quotient of 0.84 suggests that the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other professions in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC earns-13.7%below the national average.
$45.2
$1,808
$7,833
Project Management Specialists Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC, have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased project complexity across various industries typically drive up compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Project Management Specialists Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Salary progression for Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior roles, demanding extensive expertise and leadership, command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies robust career advancement opportunities within the profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Associate / AnalystData entry, reporting, supporting senior staff. | 10% (Entry) | $55,490 | $26.7 |
| Senior AnalystIndependent analysis, forecasting, client interaction. | 25% (Junior) | $70,500 | $33.9 |
| ManagerOversees team, compliance, and project delivery. | 50% (Median) | $85,580 | $41.1 |
| Director / VPStrategic planning, budget ownership, risk management. | 75% (Senior) | $117,500 | $56.5 |
| Executive / PartnerC-level leadership. High-level strategy & relations. | 90% (Expert) | $138,430 | $66.6 |
Detailed Project Management Specialists Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$94,000
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$94,000
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $94,000 in Columbia, SC, is well-aligned with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the purchasing power of a Project Management Specialist's salary in Columbia is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with average living costs.
Job Market Context
2,120
Total Jobs
5.482
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Columbia, SC has 0.84x the national average concentration of Project Management Specialists jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 for Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC, indicates that the profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where employers may have a good pool of talent, but opportunities are not oversaturated, offering a balanced environment for both job seekers and hiring managers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Project Management Specialists
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $94,780↑ 1% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $89,520↓ 5% | 13 mi |
| Southern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Project Management Specialists Salary | $105,020↑ 12% | 13 mi |
| Sumter, SC Project Management Specialists Salary | $90,410↓ 4% | 30 mi |
| Florence, SC Project Management Specialists Salary | $94,660↑ 1% | 64 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Project Management Specialists make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC is $94,000. This typically ranges from $55,490 for entry-level positions to $138,430 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 13.7% lower than the national median of $108,900.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Project Management Specialists?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the average salary of $94,000 is substantial, it falls below the national average. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the effective purchasing power comparable.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Project Management Specialists?
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 ($94,780) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does the number of Project Management Specialists in Columbia, SC compare nationally?
Columbia, SC, has 5.482 Project Management Specialists per 1,000 workers, which is slightly below the national average, reflecting a moderate presence of the profession in the local economy.
What is the significance of a Location Quotient of 0.84?
A Location Quotient of 0.84 means that Project Management Specialists are 16% less concentrated in Columbia, SC, than the national average, suggesting a slightly less specialized job market for this role.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, SC affect salary perception?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $94,000 salary in Columbia, SC, offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning your earnings stretch as far as they would in a typical U.S. city.
What does the total local workforce of 2,120 Project Management Specialists imply?
A workforce of 2,120 indicates a significant number of professionals in this field, suggesting a stable demand for project management expertise within Columbia's economic sectors.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,120 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 5.482 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Project Management Specialists • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC