Columbia vs Florence: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbia, SC and Florence, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Florence, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,018 | $105,733▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.49 | $50.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,788 | $81,769▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349 | $100,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,362▲ | $127,106 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,523▲ | $132,734 |
| Total Employed | 510▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Columbia and Florence are closely matched on overall electrical engineer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Columbia and Florence is $715 (0.68%). Florence's median is -15.44% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $88,735,Florence spans $50,965. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Florence ($121,849 effective) pays 8.67% more than Columbia ($112,124 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,523)
- ✓Larger job market (510 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,733/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $121,849)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Columbia grew 7.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.2% growth in Florence over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$94,230 (2019) → $101,320 (2025)
Florence, SC
$88,550 (2019) → $102,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Florence, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbia or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Florence?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Florence as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbia vs Florence?
Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov