How much does a preschool teacher make in Columbia?
$31,510a year
Median yearly pay for preschool teachers in the Columbia, SC metro area. That is $15.15 an hour or $2,626 a month.
- Hourly
- $15.15
- Vs. national median
- -17%
- Rank among cities
- 313 of 383
- Jobs in the area
- 560
Pay range
Lowest 10%: $26,800Median: $31,510Highest 10%: $45,920
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $26,800 | $12.88 | |
| 25th | $27,970 | $13.45 | |
| Median | $31,510 | $15.15 | |
| 75th | $35,270 | $16.96 | |
| 90th | $45,920 | $22.08 |
Other cities in South Carolina
Median yearly pay for preschool teachers.
| Augusta, GA | $36,830 |
| Charlotte, NC | $36,480 |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $35,960 |
| Charleston, SC | $35,710 |
| Greenville, SC | $34,620 |
| Spartanburg, SC | $34,290 |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $33,100 |
| Florence, SC | $31,600 |
Related jobs in Columbia
Same field, median yearly pay.
| Business Teacher | $129,400 |
| History Teacher | $104,100 |
| Health Specialties Teacher | $102,900 |
| Chemistry Teacher | $102,700 |
| Computer Science Teacher | $102,400 |
| Nursing Instructor and Teacher | $101,300 |
| Psychology Teacher | $100,300 |
| Recreation and Fitness Studies Teacher | $99,340 |
| Biological Science Teacher | $97,550 |
| Communications Teacher | $80,290 |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a preschool teacher make an hour in Columbia?
The median hourly pay in the Columbia, SC metro area is $15.15 ($31,510 a year).
Do preschool teachers make more in Columbia than the national average?
No: $31,510 against $38,140 nationally, 17% less.
How does Columbia compare with the rest of South Carolina?
The median in South Carolina is $34,500, so Columbia pays 9% less.
Where does Columbia rank for preschool teacher pay?
313 of 383 metro areas with data.
How much does a preschool teacher make starting out in Columbia?
The lowest-paid 10% make $26,800 or less a year; the top 10% make $45,920 or more.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS): pay in May 2025, published by BLS in 2026. Hourly pay is the yearly figure divided by 2,080 hours.