Aiken vs Columbia: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Aiken, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Aiken, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $95,984 | $97,006▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.14 | $46.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,893 | $68,239▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $76,467 | $78,871▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $122,426 | $128,010▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $148,775 | $151,307▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 1,070▲ |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Aiken.
The salary gap between Aiken and Columbia is $1,022 (1.06%). Columbia's median is -6.27% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Aiken spans $81,882,Columbia spans $83,068. Columbia has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Aiken ($104,901 effective) pays 1.28% more than Columbia ($103,570 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Aiken if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,901)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,006/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,307)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Aiken grew 17.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Aiken, SC
$79,845 (2024) → $93,524 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$78,450 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov