Average Veterinarians Salary in Columbia, SC
Veterinarians in Columbia, SC, earn an average annual salary of $131,020, which is slightly below the national average of $140,740. This localized compensation is influenced by a variety of factors specific to the South Carolina capital, including the demand for veterinary services and the overall economic landscape of the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $131,020 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,790.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 230 Veterinarians, Columbia, SC, presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 1.12 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting a stable demand for veterinary services within the area.
Salary Overview
The average Veterinarians in Columbia, SC earns-6.9%below the national average.
$63
$2,520
$10,918
Veterinarians Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that Veterinarian salaries in Columbia, SC, have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increasing pet ownership typically drive upward salary adjustments in this vital profession.
Veterinarians Salary Distribution in Columbia, SC
Career progression for Veterinarians in Columbia, SC, is typically marked by significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and specialization, their earning potential can climb substantially, with senior Veterinarians commanding salaries well above the average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident / New GradClinical rotation complete. Gaining floor experience. | 10% (Entry) | $59,160 | $28.4 |
| Staff ClinicianFull patient caseload. Proficient in core procedures. | 25% (Junior) | $98,265 | $47.2 |
| Charge / SeniorShift lead. Precepts new hires. Specialized certification. | 50% (Median) | $130,450 | $62.7 |
| SpecialistAdvanced degree/cert (e.g., ICU, OR). High acuity cases. | 75% (Senior) | $163,775 | $78.7 |
| Director / LeadDepartment head or Advanced Practice Provider. | 90% (Expert) | $218,790 | $105.2 |
Detailed Veterinarians Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$131,020
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$131,020
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $131,020 in Columbia, SC, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a Veterinarian's salary in Columbia is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial foundation for residents.
Job Market Context
230
Total Jobs
0.584
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Columbia, SC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Veterinarians roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.12 signifies that Columbia, SC, has a slightly higher concentration of Veterinarians than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet robust job market, where opportunities are present but professionals may encounter a moderate level of competition for open positions.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Veterinarians
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Veterinarians Salary | $104,110↓ 21% | 13 mi |
| Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area Veterinarians Salary | $112,690↓ 14% | 13 mi |
Comparing salaries near Columbia, SC
Hiring Veterinarianss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Veterinarians make in Columbia, SC?
The median annual salary for a Veterinarians in Columbia, SC is $131,020. This typically ranges from $59,160 for entry-level positions to $218,790 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Columbia, SC is 6.9% lower than the national median of $140,740.
Is Columbia, SC a lucrative place for Veterinarians?
Yes, Columbia, SC offers a competitive salary for Veterinarians.Veterinarians in Columbia earn $131,020 annually, which is close to the national average, and the cost of living is exactly at the national average, making it financially comparable.
Is Columbia, SC a good place to live for Veterinarians?
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 ($104,110) and Northeastern South Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Columbia, SC compare to the national average salary for Veterinarians?
Veterinarians in Columbia, SC, earn an average of $131,020 annually, which is slightly lower than the national average of $140,740.
What is the Cost of Living in Columbia, SC for Veterinarians?
The Cost of Living Index in Columbia, SC is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary has average purchasing power.
How concentrated is the Veterinarian job market in Columbia, SC?
With a Location Quotient of 1.12, the market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, indicating a healthy presence of Veterinarians.
What is the total number of Veterinarians employed in Columbia, SC?
There are approximately 230 Veterinarians 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 230 employees in the Columbia, SC area with a job density of 0.584 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Veterinarians • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Columbia, SC