Columbia vs Mount Pleasant: Electrician Salary (2026)
Compare electrician salaries between Columbia, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,670▲ | $60,389 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.65▲ | $29.03 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,291▲ | $40,900 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,100▲ | $45,624 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,174▲ | $77,298 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,970 | $93,602▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,170▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for electricians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Columbia and Mount Pleasant is $1,281 (2.12%). Columbia's median is -4.43% compared to the US national median of $64,530.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $33,679,Mount Pleasant spans $52,702. Mount Pleasant has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced electricians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Mount Pleasant ($65,999 effective) pays 0.24% more than Columbia ($65,843 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,670/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Mount Pleasant if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,602)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,999)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Columbia grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.0% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$47,760 (2019) → $60,390 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$50,135 (2024) → $59,135 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays electricians more: Columbia or Mount Pleasant?
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov