Insurance Agent Salary

Columbia vs Greer: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)

Compare insurance agent salaries between Columbia, SC and Greer, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Columbia, SC
$76,768
$36.91/hr
Greer, SC
$51,405
$24.72/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricColumbia, SCGreer, SC
Median Salary$76,768$51,405
Hourly Rate$36.91$24.72
Entry Level (P10)$36,996$31,666
25th Percentile$49,034$38,976
75th Percentile$107,247$65,798
Top Earner (P90)$180,917$79,678
Total Employed1,5408
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Columbia ($76,768) and Greer ($51,405) insurance agent salaries.ColumbiaGreerMedian Salary$76,768$51,405Entry Level (P10)$36,996$31,666Top Earner (P90)$180,917$79,678US Median $64,522

Verdict

Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Greer.

The salary gap between Columbia and Greer is $25,363 (49.34%). Columbia's median is +18.98% compared to the US national median of $64,522.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $143,921,Greer spans $48,012. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Columbia
P10 (Entry)$36,996
P25$49,034
Median$76,768
P75$107,247
P90 (Top)$180,917
Greer
P10 (Entry)$31,666
P25$38,976
Median$51,405
P75$65,798
P90 (Top)$79,678

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($81,963 effective) pays 45.89% more than Greer ($56,180 effective).

Columbia
Nominal: $76,768
CoL Index: 93.662
Adjusted: $81,963
Greer
Nominal: $51,405
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $56,180

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 ($76,768/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($180,917)
  • Larger job market (1,540 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,963)
  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Choose Greer if…

  • You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Columbia grew 57.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -0.7% growth in Greer over the same period.

Columbia, SC

+57.9%

$46,920 (2019) → $74,100 (2025)

Greer, SC

+-0.7%

$49,993 (2024) → $49,619 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays insurance agents more: Columbia or Greer?

Columbia has a higher median insurance agent salary at $76,768/year, compared to Greer at $51,405/year — a difference of $25,363 (49.34%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Greer?

Columbia insurance agents earn $36.91/hr while Greer hygienists earn $24.72/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Columbia to Greer as a insurance agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Columbia and Greer. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Columbia = $81,963, Greer = $56,180), job availability (1,540 vs 8 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Columbia vs Greer?

Entry-level (10th percentile) insurance agents earn $36,996 in Columbia and $31,666 in Greer. The Columbia area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, MBA

Career Analyst

Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, CICData verified by Raj Patel, LUTCF

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% 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 Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov