Columbia vs North Charleston: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Columbia, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,017 | $63,193▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.38 | $30.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,005 | $36,652▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,604 | $46,390▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,663 | $80,886▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,918 | $97,949▲ |
| Total Employed | 590▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and North Charleston is $4,176 (7.08%). North Charleston's median is -21.40% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $57,913,North Charleston spans $61,297. North Charleston has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, North Charleston ($69,063 effective) pays 9.61% more than Columbia ($63,011 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (590 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,193/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,949)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,063)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Columbia grew -27.1% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -27.2% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$77,500 (2021) → $56,486 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$83,059 (2024) → $60,483 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Columbia or North Charleston?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to North Charleston as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov