Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, laborers and freight, stock, and material movers working by hand typically earn a median annual salary of $37,580, with a median hourly wage of $18.07. This figure is slightly below the national median for this occupation, which stands at $38,940. When comparing to local economic metrics, the median salary for these workers constitutes about 56.7% of the area's median household income, which is $66,146. Despite a relatively low local unemployment rate of 4.00%, laborers in Columbia earn less than many other occupations within the same region, reflecting both the nature of their work and the broader economic conditions influencing compensation levels.

For entry-level workers in this field in Columbia, SC, earnings begin at approximately $29,760 annually, as indicated by the 10th percentile figure. Conversely, more experienced laborers who are closer to the 75th percentile can expect to earn around $41,810 per year, while those at the top of their field may reach salaries near $47,660, represented by the 90th percentile. The disparity in wages between entry-level and highly experienced workers is driven largely by factors such as skill level, physical ability, seniority, and job-specific demands. As workers gain experience and develop specialized skills or efficiencies in handling materials, their value to employers increases, which is reflected in higher compensation rates.