Columbia vs Sumter: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant salaries between Columbia, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,016 | $80,508▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.14 | $38.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,797 | $50,689▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,842 | $65,414▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $86,500 | $103,769▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,886 | $136,954▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,260▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Sumter, SC offers better overall compensation for accountants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Sumter is $9,492 (13.37%). Sumter's median is -6.24% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $62,089,Sumter spans $86,265. Sumter has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sumter ($91,466 effective) pays 20.63% more than Columbia ($75,822 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 (3,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,508/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,954)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,466)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Columbia grew 19.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 25.8% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$58,040 (2019) → $69,210 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$62,380 (2019) → $78,460 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov