Columbia vs Florence: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Columbia, SC and Florence, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Florence, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,006 | $97,119▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.64 | $46.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239▲ | $66,699 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,871▲ | $76,942 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,010 | $129,847▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,307▲ | $134,025 |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 140 |
Verdict
Columbia and Florence are closely matched on overall civil engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Florence is $113 (0.12%). Florence's median is -6.16% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $83,068,Florence spans $67,326. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Florence ($111,922 effective) pays 8.06% 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 Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,307)
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,119/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,922)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Columbia grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.4% growth in Florence over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$78,450 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
Florence, SC
$67,380 (2019) → $94,630 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Florence, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Columbia or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Florence?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Florence as a civil engineer?
What do entry-level civil engineers earn in Columbia vs Florence?
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