Columbia vs Mount Pleasant: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Columbia, SC and Mount Pleasant, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Mount Pleasant, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,768▲ | $64,869 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.91▲ | $31.18 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,996 | $39,044▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,034▲ | $47,084 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,247▲ | $83,032 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $180,917▲ | $100,547 |
| Total Employed | 1,540▲ | 19 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mount Pleasant.
The salary gap between Columbia and Mount Pleasant is $11,899 (18.34%). 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,Mount Pleasant spans $61,503. Columbia has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbia ($81,963 effective) pays 15.61% more than Mount Pleasant ($70,895 effective).
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 Mount Pleasant 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 22.6% growth in Mount Pleasant over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$46,920 (2019) → $74,100 (2025)
Mount Pleasant, SC
$51,063 (2024) → $62,615 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Columbia or Mount Pleasant?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Mount Pleasant?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Mount Pleasant as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Columbia vs Mount Pleasant?
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.
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