Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in Columbia, SC
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $88,290 a year ($42.45 an hour), based on BLS data for 40 workers.
Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $141,480 for the top 10%. That is 13% lower than the national median of $101,920. Pay here is 3% higher than the South Carolina statewide median of $86,070. There are 0.11 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.72). The average (mean) salary is $92,200, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $31,410 | $15.10 |
| 25th percentile | $61,020 | $29.34 |
| Median | $88,290 | $42.45 |
| 75th percentile | $127,800 | $61.44 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $141,480 | $68.02 |
| Average (mean) | $92,200 | $44.33 |
Half of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $7,357.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $3,678.75 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $3,395.77 |
| Weekly | $1,697.88 |
| Hourly | $42.45 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $86,420 | 120 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $76,060 | n/a |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $71,500 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Texas | $145,220 |
| Rhode Island | $121,010 |
| Oklahoma | $119,990 |
| Colorado | $114,410 |
| Mississippi | $112,400 |
| Maryland | $110,510 |
| Massachusetts | $108,210 |
| Alaska | $107,410 |
| California | $106,500 |
| Hawaii | $106,270 |
See Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Chemist | $73,430 | $35.30 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $85,300 | $41.01 |
| Hydrologist | $65,770 | $31.62 |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | $51,840 | $24.92 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $79,160 | $38.06 |
| Chemical Technician | $64,740 | $31.12 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $99,960 | $48.06 |
| Social Science Research Assistant | $62,090 | $29.85 |
| Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health | $51,290 | $24.66 |
| School Psychologist | $81,370 | $39.12 |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other | $83,780 | $40.28 |
| Conservation Scientist | $45,910 | $22.07 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $71,910 | $34.57 |
| Forensic Science Technician | $45,990 | $22.11 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Columbia, SC
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-2042. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in Columbia, SC?
The median salary for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in the Columbia, SC metro area is $88,290 a year, or $42.45 an hour. Pay ranges from $31,410 for the lowest-paid 10% to $141,480 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $141,480 a year. The top 25% earn $127,800 or more.
What is the starting pay for geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $31,410 a year, and a quarter of geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers earn $61,020 or less.
How many geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers work in Columbia, SC?
About 40 geoscientists, except hydrologists and geographers are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.