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Financial Analyst Salary in Columbia, SC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Columbia's cost of living (index: 89). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Financial Analyst Salary in Columbia β€” Key Numbers

$88,902
Median Salary
$63,822
25th Percentile
$125,552
75th Percentile
$168,094
90th Percentile
National median (Financial Analyst)$99,890
vs. National median-11.0%
Columbia median household income$55,200
vs. City household income+61.1%

Cost of Living in Columbia

Cost of Living Index
89(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,050/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio14.2%
Annual rent cost$12,600
Median Home Price$230,000
Home Price / Salary2.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$46,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Columbia

3.7%
Unemployment Rate
840,000
Metro Population
24 min
Avg Commute
33.4
Median Age

Columbia has a metro population of 840,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Analyst Salary β€” Other South Carolina Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Financial Analyst make in Columbia, SC?

The estimated median salary for a Financial Analyst in Columbia is $88,902 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $99,890 adjusted by Columbia's cost of living index (89). The typical salary range runs from $63,822 (25th percentile) to $125,552 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $168,094.

Is Columbia affordable for a Financial Analyst?

On a $88,902 annual salary, a Financial Analyst in Columbia would spend approximately 14.2% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,050/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Columbia relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $230,000 is 2.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Financial Analyst's salary compare to Columbia's overall income?

Columbia's median household income is $55,200. A Financial Analyst earning the city-adjusted median of $88,902 earns 61.1% more than the typical Columbia household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.