Military Enlisted Salary in Columbia, SC — 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.
Military Enlisted Salary in Columbia — Key Numbers
Cost of Living in Columbia
Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.
Job Market in Columbia
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 Calculators for Columbia
Other Professions in Columbia
Military Enlisted Salary — Other South Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Military Enlisted make in Columbia, SC?
The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Columbia is $36,490 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Columbia's cost of living index (89). The typical salary range runs from $26,255 (25th percentile) to $50,552 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $65,860.
Is Columbia affordable for a Military Enlisted?
On a $36,490 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Columbia would spend approximately 34.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,050/month). This is approaching the 30–35% cost-burden threshold; careful budgeting is recommended. The median home price of $230,000 is 6.3× the annual salary.
How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Columbia's overall income?
Columbia's median household income is $55,200. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $36,490 earns 33.9% less than the typical Columbia household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Columbia has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.
Explore More Salary Data
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.