Columbia vs Greenville: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer salaries between Columbia, SC and Greenville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Greenville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,018 | $105,329▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.49 | $50.63▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,788 | $76,494▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $80,349 | $86,340▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $138,362▲ | $133,346 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $160,523 | $171,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 510 | 690▲ |
Verdict
Greenville, SC offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Greenville is $311 (0.30%). Greenville's median is -15.76% 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,Greenville spans $94,808. Greenville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electrical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Greenville ($112,941 effective) pays 0.73% 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…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,329/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,302)
- ✓Larger job market (690 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $112,941)
- ✓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 36.1% growth in Greenville over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$94,230 (2019) → $101,320 (2025)
Greenville, SC
$74,640 (2019) → $101,620 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Greenville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electrical engineers more: Columbia or Greenville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Greenville?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Greenville as a electrical engineer?
What do entry-level electrical engineers earn in Columbia vs Greenville?
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