Mechanical Engineers Salary in Columbia, SC
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Columbia, SC
Median annual salary
$97,580
-4.6% vs national
Median hourly
$46.91
10th percentile
$63,650
90th percentile
$139,060
Employed locally
410
National median
$102,320
Compare Mechanical Engineers salary & buying power
Type a city below to see how Columbia, SC stacks up on salary and cost of living.
Mechanical Engineers
in
Columbia, SC
vs
Salary percentile breakdown
Columbia economic context
Unemployment rate
4.00%
2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
Median household income
$66,146
2023 • Census ACS
Mechanical Engineers salary vs area income
148%
Median Mechanical Engineers salary is 48% above the area median household income
Frequently asked questions
How much do Mechanical Engineers make per hour in Columbia?
The median hourly wage for Mechanical Engineers in Columbia, SC is $46.91, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $72.42 or more per hour.
Is Columbia above or below average for Mechanical Engineers salaries?
The median Mechanical Engineers salary in Columbia, SC is 4.6% below the national median of $102,320. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Mechanical Engineers in Columbia?
Entry-level Mechanical Engineers (10th percentile) earn around $63,650 per year in Columbia, SC. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $78,200.