Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Elementary School Teacher Salary (2026)
Compare elementary school teacher salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,638 | $65,627▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.15 | $31.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,642 | $50,258▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,207 | $53,065▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,264 | $83,521▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,755 | $83,521▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,360▲ | 870 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for elementary school teachers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $4,989 (8.23%). Hilton Head Island's median is +1.59% compared to the US national median of $64,597.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $28,113,Hilton Head Island spans $33,263. Hilton Head Island has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced elementary school teachers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Hilton Head Island ($66,955 effective) pays 3.42% more than Columbia ($64,741 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 (4,360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,627/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,521)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,955)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, elementary school teacher salaries in Columbia grew 4.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.9% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$57,360 (2019) → $60,050 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$66,960 (2019) → $64,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays elementary school teachers more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island as a elementary school teacher?
What do entry-level elementary school teachers earn in Columbia vs Hilton Head Island?
Written by Jordan Lee, M.Ed.
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in elementary education. They focus on curriculum development and teaching methodologies. Their experience includes working in public schools.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 0.98% 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, M.Ed., a licensed elementary school teacher with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov