Columbia vs Greer: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Columbia, SC and Greer, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greer, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,006 | $108,080▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.64 | $51.96▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239 | $75,194▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,871 | $86,346▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $128,010 | $138,090▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,307 | $167,524▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Greer, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greer is $11,074 (11.42%). Greer's median is +4.43% 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,Greer spans $92,330. Greer 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, Greer ($118,120 effective) pays 14.05% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (1,070 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greer if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($108,080/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,524)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $118,120)
- ✓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 31.7% growth in Greer over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$78,450 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
Greer, SC
$79,988 (2024) → $105,310 (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