Columbia vs Sumter: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Columbia, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,006▲ | $96,585 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.64▲ | $46.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $68,239 | $72,231▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $78,871▲ | $76,778 |
| 75th Percentile | $128,010▲ | $120,683 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $151,307▲ | $131,767 |
| Total Employed | 1,070▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Columbia and Sumter is $421 (0.44%). 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 Columbia spans $83,068,Sumter spans $59,536. 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, Sumter ($109,731 effective) pays 5.95% 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…
- ✓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
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $109,731)
- ✓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 29.1% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$78,450 (2019) → $94,520 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$72,910 (2019) → $94,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Sumter, 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