Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education Salary in Columbia, SC

In Columbia, SC, secondary school teachers, excluding those in special and career/technical education, earn a median annual salary of $60,180. This figure is notably lower than the national median for this occupation, which stands at $64,580. When compared to the local median household income of $66,146, the typical teacher's earnings are slightly less, reflecting a modest disparity between educational professionals and the broader community’s financial standing. Despite these differences, the employment landscape for secondary school teachers in Columbia appears stable, with an estimated 3,380 individuals employed in this field and a relatively low local unemployment rate of 4.00%.

The salary range for entry-level versus experienced secondary school teachers in Columbia, SC, demonstrates significant variation based on experience and performance. At the lower end of the spectrum, those at the 10th percentile earn $45,020 annually, while those at the 25th percentile see earnings of $47,680. In contrast, more seasoned educators in the 75th percentile earn around $64,020 per year, with top earners at the 90th percentile reaching approximately $76,020 annually. This disparity is driven largely by factors such as years of experience, educational attainment, additional certifications, and performance-based incentives or bonuses that reward highly effective teachers. These elements collectively contribute to the broad salary range observed within this profession in Columbia.