Most common jobs in Columbia
Written by:
January 11, 2021
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
Most common jobs in Columbia
The 10 largest occupations in America employ 30.5 million workers, representing 21% of all workers. Keeping America’s economy moving would be impossible without office workers, package handlers, food prep workers, and truck drivers. And what would the sick do without the millions of hospital workers, nurses, and home health aides?
Stacker compiled a list of the most common jobs in Columbia using data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Jobs are ranked by total employment as of May 2019. While much has changed during the coronavirus pandemic, the jobs featured here give a holistic view at the most popular industries in your area and how many jobs are supported.
Keep reading to see which jobs in Columbia are the most common.
1 / 50
New Africa // Shutterstock
#50. Receptionists and information clerks
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,710
- Employment per 1,000: 4.471 (38% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,780
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 1,710
- Employment per 1,000: 4.471 (38% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,780
National
- Employment: 1,057,370 (#26 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $31,250
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
2 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#48 (tie). First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers, and repairers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,750
- Employment per 1,000: 4.581 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $67,630
National
- Employment: 485,700 (#63 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $70,550
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 1,750
- Employment per 1,000: 4.581 (39% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $67,630
National
- Employment: 485,700 (#63 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $70,550
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
3 / 50
Oleg Golovnev // Shutterstock
#48 (tie). First-line supervisors of production and operating workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,750
- Employment per 1,000: 4.583 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $69,760
National
- Employment: 631,100 (#51 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,220
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 1,750
- Employment per 1,000: 4.583 (7% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $69,760
National
- Employment: 631,100 (#51 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,220
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
4 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#47. Maids and housekeeping cleaners
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,790
- Employment per 1,000: 4.668 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $21,500
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 1,790
- Employment per 1,000: 4.668 (26% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $21,500
National
- Employment: 926,960 (#31 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,810
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
5 / 50
Bigflick // Shutterstock
#46. Correctional officers and jailers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,810
- Employment per 1,000: 4.738 (65% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,940
National
- Employment: 423,050 (#74 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $50,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 1,810
- Employment per 1,000: 4.738 (65% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,940
National
- Employment: 423,050 (#74 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $50,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
6 / 50
Jacob Lund // Shutterstock
#45. Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,830
- Employment per 1,000: 4.78 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,000
National
- Employment: 697,510 (#40 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $48,500
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 1,830
- Employment per 1,000: 4.78 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,000
National
- Employment: 697,510 (#40 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $48,500
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
7 / 50
Dmitry Kalinovsky // Shutterstock
#44. Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers, and weighers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,840
- Employment per 1,000: 4.799 (22% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $40,120
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 1,840
- Employment per 1,000: 4.799 (22% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $40,120
National
- Employment: 576,950 (#58 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $43,000
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
8 / 50
Rappaport Center // Wikimedia Commons
#43. Lawyers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,850
- Employment per 1,000: 4.842 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $120,210
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
- Employment: 1,850
- Employment per 1,000: 4.842 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $120,210
National
- Employment: 657,170 (#44 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $145,300
- Entry level education requirements: Doctoral or professional degree
9 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#42. Paralegals and legal assistants
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,890
- Employment per 1,000: 4.951 (120% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
National
- Employment: 329,870 (#96 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $55,020
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
- Employment: 1,890
- Employment per 1,000: 4.951 (120% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,180
National
- Employment: 329,870 (#96 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $55,020
- Entry level education requirements: Associate’s degree
10 / 50
Canva
#41. Landscaping and groundskeeping workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,930
- Employment per 1,000: 5.05 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,670
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 1,930
- Employment per 1,000: 5.05 (19% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,670
National
- Employment: 912,660 (#33 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
11 / 50
4 PM production // Shutterstock
#40. Automotive service technicians and mechanics
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 1,960
- Employment per 1,000: 5.127 (15% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,400
National
- Employment: 655,330 (#45 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $44,890
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 1,960
- Employment per 1,000: 5.127 (15% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,400
National
- Employment: 655,330 (#45 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $44,890
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
12 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#39. Insurance sales agents
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,010
- Employment per 1,000: 5.259 (88% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $73,080
National
- Employment: 410,050 (#78 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 2,010
- Employment per 1,000: 5.259 (88% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $73,080
National
- Employment: 410,050 (#78 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,780
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
13 / 50
Milkovasa // Shutterstock
#38. Medical assistants
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,060
- Employment per 1,000: 5.384 (11% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,570
National
- Employment: 712,430 (#36 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $35,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 2,060
- Employment per 1,000: 5.384 (11% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $30,570
National
- Employment: 712,430 (#36 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $35,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
14 / 50
Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
#37. Carpenters
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,080
- Employment per 1,000: 5.433 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,910
National
- Employment: 734,170 (#35 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $52,850
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 2,080
- Employment per 1,000: 5.433 (9% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $47,910
National
- Employment: 734,170 (#35 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $52,850
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
15 / 50
Tim Goode/PA Images // Getty Images
#36. Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services, and travel
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,090
- Employment per 1,000: 5.472 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 2,090
- Employment per 1,000: 5.472 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $57,160
National
- Employment: 1,039,670 (#27 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $66,760
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
16 / 50
JOHANNES EISELE // Getty Images
#35. Passenger vehicle drivers, except bus drivers, transit and intercity
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,130
- Employment per 1,000: 5.561 (17% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,370
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 2,130
- Employment per 1,000: 5.561 (17% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,370
National
- Employment: 700,030 (#39 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,210
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
17 / 50
sculpies // Shutterstock
#34. First-line supervisors of construction trades and extraction workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,160
- Employment per 1,000: 5.635 (32% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
National
- Employment: 626,180 (#53 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 2,160
- Employment per 1,000: 5.635 (32% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,000
National
- Employment: 626,180 (#53 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,440
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
18 / 50
nullplus // Shutterstock
#33. Light truck drivers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,180
- Employment per 1,000: 5.702 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,030
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 2,180
- Employment per 1,000: 5.702 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $35,030
National
- Employment: 923,050 (#32 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $38,520
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
19 / 50
Daniel Lee // Flickr
#31 (tie). Cooks, fast food
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,240
- Employment per 1,000: 5.856 (63% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $19,830
National
- Employment: 527,220 (#61 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,530
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 2,240
- Employment per 1,000: 5.856 (63% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $19,830
National
- Employment: 527,220 (#61 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,530
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
20 / 50
Lopolo // Shutterstock
#31 (tie). Middle school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,240
- Employment per 1,000: 5.86 (38% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $56,960
National
- Employment: 622,330 (#54 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 2,240
- Employment per 1,000: 5.86 (38% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $56,960
National
- Employment: 622,330 (#54 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,550
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
21 / 50
Paul.J.West // Shutterstock
#30. Teaching assistants, except postsecondary
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,400
- Employment per 1,000: 6.272 (32% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,730
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 2,400
- Employment per 1,000: 6.272 (32% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,730
National
- Employment: 1,346,910 (#21 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,640
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
22 / 50
fizkes // Shutterstock
#29. Management analysts
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,470
- Employment per 1,000: 6.456 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $75,550
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 2,470
- Employment per 1,000: 6.456 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $75,550
National
- Employment: 709,750 (#37 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $95,560
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
23 / 50
Shift Drive // Shutterstock
#28. Computer user support specialists
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,480
- Employment per 1,000: 6.493 (47% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,490
National
- Employment: 647,330 (#47 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $56,550
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 2,480
- Employment per 1,000: 6.493 (47% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $49,490
National
- Employment: 647,330 (#47 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $56,550
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
24 / 50
B Brown // Shutterstock
#27. Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,740
- Employment per 1,000: 7.168 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 2,740
- Employment per 1,000: 7.168 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $58,360
National
- Employment: 1,035,850 (#28 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $65,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
25 / 50
pio3 // Shutterstock
#26. Police and sheriff's patrol officers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,750
- Employment per 1,000: 7.178 (58% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,750
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
- Employment: 2,750
- Employment per 1,000: 7.178 (58% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $43,750
National
- Employment: 665,280 (#43 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $67,600
- Entry level education requirements: nan
26 / 50
Pixabay
#25. Construction laborers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 2,870
- Employment per 1,000: 7.496 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,180
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 2,870
- Employment per 1,000: 7.496 (8% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $33,180
National
- Employment: 1,020,350 (#29 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,730
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
27 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#24. Elementary school teachers, except special education
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,270
- Employment per 1,000: 8.545 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $59,040
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 3,270
- Employment per 1,000: 8.545 (12% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $59,040
National
- Employment: 1,430,480 (#16 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $63,930
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
28 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#22 (tie). Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,320
- Employment per 1,000: 8.673 (16% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,960
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
- Employment: 3,320
- Employment per 1,000: 8.673 (16% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $37,960
National
- Employment: 1,512,660 (#14 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $42,960
- Entry level education requirements: Some college, no degree
29 / 50
Jorge Royan // Wikimedia Commons
#22 (tie). Cooks, restaurant
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,320
- Employment per 1,000: 8.676 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,280
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 3,320
- Employment per 1,000: 8.676 (9% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,280
National
- Employment: 1,401,890 (#20 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $28,700
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
30 / 50
OLIVIER DOULIERY // Getty Images
#21. First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,340
- Employment per 1,000: 8.734 (27% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,030
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,340
- Employment per 1,000: 8.734 (27% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,030
National
- Employment: 1,011,100 (#30 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
31 / 50
Stock Rocket // Shutterstock
#20. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,670
- Employment per 1,000: 9.587 (5% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 3,670
- Employment per 1,000: 9.587 (5% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $68,220
National
- Employment: 1,344,530 (#22 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $71,110
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
32 / 50
GagliardiPhotography // Shutterstock
#19. Nursing assistants
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,740
- Employment per 1,000: 9.766 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,880
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 3,740
- Employment per 1,000: 9.766 (1% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $26,880
National
- Employment: 1,419,920 (#17 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,720
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
33 / 50
ImageFlow // Shutterstock
#18. Accountants and auditors
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 3,900
- Employment per 1,000: 10.19 (17% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,720
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 3,900
- Employment per 1,000: 10.19 (17% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $61,720
National
- Employment: 1,280,700 (#23 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $79,520
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
34 / 50
The Boston Globe // Getty Images
#17. Stockers and order fillers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 4,060
- Employment per 1,000: 10.601 (27% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,900
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,060
- Employment per 1,000: 10.601 (27% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $25,900
National
- Employment: 2,135,850 (#11 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,660
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
35 / 50
Pixabay
#16. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 4,570
- Employment per 1,000: 11.936 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,010
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
- Employment: 4,570
- Employment per 1,000: 11.936 (6% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $44,010
National
- Employment: 1,856,130 (#13 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $46,850
- Entry level education requirements: Postsecondary nondegree award
36 / 50
Rob Kim // Getty Images
#15. First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 4,710
- Employment per 1,000: 12.311 (54% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,390
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,710
- Employment per 1,000: 12.311 (54% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $41,390
National
- Employment: 1,171,900 (#24 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $45,830
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
37 / 50
Pixabay
#14. Maintenance and repair workers, general
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 4,780
- Employment per 1,000: 12.506 (29% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $36,790
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 4,780
- Employment per 1,000: 12.506 (29% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $36,790
National
- Employment: 1,418,990 (#18 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $41,960
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
38 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#13. Waiters and waitresses
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 4,870
- Employment per 1,000: 12.724 (28% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $20,520
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 4,870
- Employment per 1,000: 12.724 (28% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $20,520
National
- Employment: 2,579,020 (#8 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $26,800
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
39 / 50
Unsplash
#12. Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 5,330
- Employment per 1,000: 13.936 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,690
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 5,330
- Employment per 1,000: 13.936 (5% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $24,690
National
- Employment: 2,145,450 (#10 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $30,010
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
40 / 50
Ruslan Galiullin // Shutterstock
#11. Office clerks, general
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 5,950
- Employment per 1,000: 15.559 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,430
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 5,950
- Employment per 1,000: 15.559 (23% lower employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,430
National
- Employment: 2,956,060 (#5 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $36,360
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
41 / 50
Sean Rayford // Getty Images
#10. Security guards
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 6,150
- Employment per 1,000: 16.087 (110% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,050
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 6,150
- Employment per 1,000: 16.087 (110% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,050
National
- Employment: 1,126,370 (#25 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $33,030
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
42 / 50
Pixabay
#9. General and operations managers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 6,650
- Employment per 1,000: 17.394 (6% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $108,630
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 6,650
- Employment per 1,000: 17.394 (6% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $108,630
National
- Employment: 2,400,280 (#9 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $123,030
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
43 / 50
GaudiLab // Shutterstock
#8. First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 7,200
- Employment per 1,000: 18.823 (86% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $53,080
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 7,200
- Employment per 1,000: 18.823 (86% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $53,080
National
- Employment: 1,487,870 (#15 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $60,130
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
44 / 50
G-Stock Studio // Shutterstock
#7. Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical, and executive
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 8,240
- Employment per 1,000: 21.539 (55% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $36,580
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 8,240
- Employment per 1,000: 21.539 (55% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $36,580
National
- Employment: 2,038,340 (#12 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $39,180
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
45 / 50
Rawpixel.com // Shutterstock
#6. Registered nurses
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 8,670
- Employment per 1,000: 22.675 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,290
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
- Employment: 8,670
- Employment per 1,000: 22.675 (12% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $64,290
National
- Employment: 2,982,280 (#4 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $77,460
- Entry level education requirements: Bachelor’s degree
46 / 50
Pixabay
#5. Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 11,240
- Employment per 1,000: 29.389 (46% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,540
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 11,240
- Employment per 1,000: 29.389 (46% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $28,540
National
- Employment: 2,953,170 (#6 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $32,130
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
47 / 50
ESB Basic // Shutterstock
#4. Customer service representatives
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 11,260
- Employment per 1,000: 29.437 (48% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,360
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
- Employment: 11,260
- Employment per 1,000: 29.437 (48% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $34,360
National
- Employment: 2,919,230 (#7 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $37,320
- Entry level education requirements: High school diploma or equivalent
48 / 50
Monkey Business Images // Shutterstock
#3. Retail salespersons
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 11,500
- Employment per 1,000: 30.066 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,610
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 11,500
- Employment per 1,000: 30.066 (2% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $27,610
National
- Employment: 4,317,950 (#1 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $29,360
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
49 / 50
Dean Drobot // Shutterstock
#2. Cashiers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 11,660
- Employment per 1,000: 30.482 (24% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $21,220
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 11,660
- Employment per 1,000: 30.482 (24% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $21,220
National
- Employment: 3,596,630 (#3 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $24,370
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
50 / 50
Pxhere
#1. Fast food and counter workers
Columbia, SC
- Employment: 13,920
- Employment per 1,000: 36.389 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $18,650
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
- Employment: 13,920
- Employment per 1,000: 36.389 (34% higher employment than U.S. average)
- Annual mean salary: $18,650
National
- Employment: 3,996,820 (#2 most common job in U.S.)
- Annual mean salary: $23,250
- Entry level education requirements: No formal educational credential
