USC Jobs

University of South Carolina

Also known as: USC

5 Star Employer Ranking
Columbia, South Carolina, USA
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Salaries at USC

USC Employer Profile

Introduction to University of South Carolina Graduate Salaries

University of South Carolina salaries provide a compelling case for professionals eyeing opportunities in higher education, particularly for faculty and executive roles at this flagship public research institution in Columbia, South Carolina. As a Carnegie R1 university with over 35,000 students, the University of South Carolina (USC) invests significantly in attracting top talent, offering salaries that are competitive within the Southeastern Conference (SEC) peers and often exceed national averages for public universities. Faculty positions, from assistant professors to full professors, form the backbone of USC's academic excellence, with average salaries reflecting experience, discipline, and research output.

For instance, according to recent data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and CUPA-HR surveys, full professors at USC earn a median of around $147,000 annually, associate professors approximately $104,000, and assistant professors about $92,000. These figures include base pay plus potential supplements for summer teaching, grants, and endowed chairs, which can boost earnings by 20-30% for high performers in fields like business, engineering, and medicine. Salaries at University of South Carolina for faculty are influenced by factors such as collective bargaining agreements, state funding, and market demand—STEM disciplines often command premiums of 10-15% over humanities. Executive salaries take this further: deans average $225,000-$300,000, vice presidents $280,000-$400,000, and the president exceeds $650,000, including performance incentives tied to enrollment growth and fundraising, as reported in public disclosures on sites like OpenTheBooks.com.

While faculty and executive compensation garners primary attention, University of South Carolina graduate salaries offer strong starting points for alumni entering the workforce. Graduates from USC's robust programs in nursing, finance, and public health see median starting salaries of $52,000-$58,000 one year post-graduation, per U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data (view details). Ten years out, alumni earnings climb to $55,000 median, outperforming many peers due to USC's career services and employer networks in growing sectors like healthcare and tech in the Carolinas.

University of South Carolina salary trends show steady 3-5% annual increases over the past five years, outpacing inflation and driven by South Carolina's improving economy and USC's $2.6 billion endowment. Compared to regional rivals like University of Florida ($110k average faculty) or national publics like University of Georgia ($115k), USC holds its own, especially with lower living costs in Columbia, where housing is 20% below U.S. averages. Non-faculty roles, such as HR specialists ($65,000 average), librarians ($70,000), and even caretakers ($40,000), provide stable secondary options with benefits like tuition remission covering 100% for employees' dependents.

University of South Carolina faculty salaries and executive pay stand out for their growth potential, supported by tenure tracks and leadership pipelines. To gauge department-specific insights, check Rate My Professor reviews for USC faculty, helping you align with mentors who excel in research and teaching. For those in support roles, University of South Carolina starting salaries remain attractive amid low regional unemployment.

Ready to pursue these opportunities? Explore current openings via higher-ed jobs on AcademicJobs.com, including faculty positions, executive roles, and administrative jobs. Visit South Carolina university jobs or U.S. higher education careers for broader searches. Tailor your application with free resources like our resume template and cover letter template, and get advice from how to become a university lecturer. Whether you're a global researcher or domestic professor, USC's compensation packages, combined with vibrant campus life in rate-my-professor highlighted departments, make it a prime destination.

📊 Job Market Insights for Active Seekers

The job market at the University of South Carolina (USC) offers promising opportunities for active job seekers, especially in faculty and executive roles amid steady demand in higher education. Salaries at University of South Carolina are competitive within the Southeastern United States, influenced by state funding, research grants, and enrollment growth exceeding 35,000 students. Recent data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Faculty Compensation Survey (2023) shows average full-time faculty salaries rising 3.4% year-over-year to $124,560 overall, with full professors averaging $162,340, associate professors $118,210, and assistant professors $96,450. These University of South Carolina faculty salaries position USC favorably against regional peers like the University of Georgia, where averages lag by 5-7%.

Demand surges for specialized faculty in business (average $145,000), nursing ($110,000+), and engineering due to program expansions and federal funding. Executive salaries at University of South Carolina shine brighter, with deans earning $250,000-$400,000 and the provost around $375,000 per public disclosures on the university's Human Resources site. Non-faculty roles like HR managers average $68,000, academic librarians $58,000, and facilities staff $45,000-$55,000, per Glassdoor and university payroll data, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments in Columbia.

Key trends include 4-6% salary bumps for tenure-track hires amid national faculty shortages, hybrid work options for admins, and emphasis on diversity hires. University of South Carolina salary trends track national inflation at 3%, with bonuses for grant-winning researchers. Success stories abound: A business professor shared on Rate My Professor how negotiating via market data secured a 10% above-average offer. Alumni report strong starting salaries of $54,200 mid-career median $92,000 (Payscale, 2024), fueling passive candidates' interest.

Job seekers, leverage higher-ed-jobs/executive listings and location insights in Columbia. For negotiation tips, read how to become a university lecturer. Verify openings on Rate My Professor for USC department vibes. Explore Glassdoor USC salaries or USC HR compensation for latest figures.

Average Starting Salaries by Major 📊

Exploring University of South Carolina salaries starts with understanding average starting salaries by major, which provide a benchmark for graduates entering the workforce or pursuing advanced roles like faculty positions. Data from the University of South Carolina's First Destination Survey (class of 2023) shows an overall average starting salary of around $56,000 for bachelor's degree recipients, influenced by factors such as major field, industry demand, location in Columbia, South Carolina, and prior internships. For those eyeing University of South Carolina faculty salaries or executive paths, these figures represent entry points before graduate school or experience boosts pay significantly—assistant professors often start at $85,000-$110,000 depending on discipline.

MajorAverage Starting SalaryKey Industries
Computer Science$75,000Tech, Software Development
Mechanical Engineering$70,000Manufacturing, Aerospace
Nursing$62,000Healthcare, Hospitals
Business Administration$59,000Finance, Consulting
Accounting$58,000Public Accounting, Corporate
Hospitality Management$48,000Tourism, Hotels
Elementary Education$45,000K-12 Schools, Administration
Biology$42,000Research, Healthcare

Several factors impact these University of South Carolina starting salaries: South Carolina's lower cost of living (20% below national average) stretches earnings further, while high-demand STEM fields command premiums. Negotiation skills, GPA above 3.5, and internships at local firms like Michelin or BlueCross BlueShield can add 10-15% to offers. For faculty aspirants, pairing a major like biology with a PhD leads to higher University of South Carolina graduate salaries. Trends show 5% annual growth, per US News data. To gauge professor quality before applying, visit Rate My Professor for University of South Carolina insights. Explore faculty jobs or jobs in Columbia, South Carolina. Check the USC Career Center outcomes report for latest stats. Actionable tip: Tailor your resume using our free resume template to land competitive offers.

📊 Salary Trends Over 5-10 Years Post-Graduation

University of South Carolina salary trends for alumni show steady growth, reflecting the value of a USC degree in launching and advancing careers. University of South Carolina graduate salaries start strong in early career phases and accelerate significantly between 5 and 10 years post-graduation, driven by the university's emphasis on practical skills, internships, and a powerful alumni network. For instance, business and engineering majors often outpace averages due to high-demand fields, while overall University of South Carolina alumni earnings benefit from Columbia's affordable living costs compared to coastal cities.

Years Post-GraduationMedian SalaryGrowth Insight
0-5 Years (Early Career)$52,000 - $57,200Entry-level roles in finance, healthcare, and tech; strong starting point for public university grads.
5-10 Years (Mid-Career)$65,000 - $85,000Rapid promotions; MBA or advanced degrees from USC boost to $90k+.
10+ Years$100,000 - $109,000Leadership positions; alumni in executive roles average higher.
Data aggregated from Payscale and College Scorecard for University of South Carolina-Columbia graduates working full-time. View Payscale details | Niche salaries

Key reasons for these University of South Carolina salary trends include targeted career services that secure high-paying internships, faculty mentorship highlighted on rate-my-professor reviews for University of South Carolina professors, and proximity to growing industries in the Southeast. The regional economy in Columbia, South Carolina supports roles in manufacturing, government, and biomedicine, with lower costs amplifying take-home pay.

Implications are encouraging for job seekers: this trajectory signals excellent return on investment (ROI), especially for those pursuing graduate studies before entering faculty or executive tracks at institutions like USC. Check higher-ed faculty jobs or higher-ed career advice to align your path with these outcomes, and explore University of South Carolina rate-my-professor insights for program strengths.

💼 Top-Paying Industries for University of South Carolina Alumni

University of South Carolina salaries extend beyond campus into high-earning industries where alumni thrive, with University of South Carolina alumni earnings averaging $62,000 in first-year full-time roles according to the university's 2022-2023 career outcomes report. Factors like degree type—especially from the Darla Moore School of Business or Arnold School of Public Health—influence these figures, with business graduates often outpacing others. Trends show steady growth, up 5% annually, driven by South Carolina's booming economy in manufacturing and healthcare. For those eyeing faculty jobs or executive positions, education remains competitive, while alumni in private sectors command premiums.

  • 💰 Finance & Insurance: Topping charts at $85,000-$110,000 median early-career pay. USC alumni like those from finance programs land at Deloitte or Wells Fargo in Columbia, SC. Negotiate by highlighting internships; check rate-my-professor insights for USC faculty prep.
  • 🏥 Healthcare: $75,000-$95,000 average, fueled by roles at Prisma Health or MUSC. Public health majors excel here; alumni stories show rapid advancement to $120,000+ mid-career. Explore higher-ed-jobs for related admin paths.
  • 🔬 Professional, Scientific & Technical Services: $80,000 median, including consulting at Accenture. Engineering and sciences grads dominate; trends favor tech integration. Link skills via free resume templates on AcademicJobs.com.
  • 🏭 Manufacturing: $72,000 average at Michelin or Boeing suppliers. Business alumni lead operations; South Carolina's auto sector boosts this. Compare via professor salaries for academic alternatives.
  • 📚 Education: $55,000-$90,000 for K-12 to University of South Carolina faculty salaries, higher for executives. PhDs from USC return as professors; rate experiences on rate-my-professor.

These industries reflect South Carolina market dynamics, where cost of living (20% below national average) amplifies take-home pay. Actionable tip: Tailor applications to local employers via career advice; track United States trends. For verified data, see USC Career Outcomes or Niche USC Salaries.

📊 Salary Comparison: University of South Carolina vs. National Averages

When evaluating University of South Carolina salaries, comparing them to national benchmarks helps aspiring faculty, executives, and staff gauge competitiveness. Data from trusted sources like the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) Faculty Compensation Survey (2023-24) and Glassdoor (2024 averages) reveal that salaries at University of South Carolina hold strong, particularly for tenured roles, enhanced by Columbia's lower cost of living—about 12% below the U.S. average per BestPlaces.net. This boosts purchasing power for jobs at University of South Carolina.

PositionUSC Average Salary (2023-24)National Average (Public R1 Universities)Difference
Assistant Professor$95,500$91,700+4.1%
Associate Professor$115,200$104,800+9.9%
Full Professor$155,800$147,900+5.4%
Department Chair$185,000$178,000+3.9%
Dean (College)$265,000$258,000+2.7%
Provost$425,000$412,000+3.2%
HR Manager (Staff)$78,000$82,000-4.9%

University of South Carolina faculty salaries exceed national averages for associate and full professors, making it attractive for mid-career academics seeking stability and growth. Executive compensation, including University of South Carolina executive salaries, aligns closely with peers, often supplemented by performance incentives. For non-faculty roles like library specialists ($55,000 vs. $60,000 national) or caretakers ($42,000 vs. $45,000), salaries are slightly lower but offset by South Carolina's affordable housing—median home $280,000 vs. $420,000 nationally. Trends show 4-5% annual increases at USC, outpacing inflation.

Advantages include robust benefits like tuition waivers for dependents, appealing to families. Researchers eyeing higher-ed faculty jobs or executives should check Rate My Professor for USC insights from peers. Columbia's vibrant academic scene offers networking via Columbia jobs. For personalized advice, explore higher ed career advice or professor ratings at University of South Carolina. National data: AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey.

🎓 High-Earning Career Paths for Students

At the University of South Carolina (USC), students eyeing University of South Carolina salaries in high-earning roles can target faculty and executive positions, which offer competitive pay well above national averages. According to recent data from the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) for 2022-2023, full professors at USC earn a median of around $162,000 annually, associate professors about $112,000, and assistant professors roughly $98,000—figures that rise with experience, research grants, and tenure. Executive roles like deans and vice provosts command even higher University of South Carolina executive salaries, often exceeding $250,000, with the provost position nearing $400,000 based on public disclosures from the university's financial reports.

Beyond academia, USC alumni pursuing graduate degrees see strong returns: mid-career earnings average $110,000 per Payscale data, fueled by paths in business administration, law, and medicine. For instance, USC business school grads often land corporate roles starting at $70,000, scaling to executive levels. To access these University of South Carolina career salaries, focus on high-impact paths:

  • 💼 Faculty Track: Earn a PhD, publish research, and gain teaching experience. Check Rate My Professor for USC faculty insights to identify mentors. Aim for faculty jobs posting average University of South Carolina faculty salaries.
  • 📈 Executive/Administrative Path: Pursue an MBA or EdD, intern in university offices like HR or advancement. These lead to director roles ($120,000+) and higher, with executive higher ed jobs at USC.
  • 🔬 Research Leadership: Start as a research assistant ($50,000-$60,000 starting), advance to principal investigator roles ($150,000+). Explore research assistant jobs.

Actionable advice: Build a standout resume with internships via USC's career center, network at Columbia events, and leverage jobs in Columbia, South Carolina. Review professor feedback on Rate My Professor for USC to choose advisors boosting your trajectory. Trends show University of South Carolina salary trends rising 4-5% yearly, especially in STEM and business. For prep, read how to become a university lecturer. Verify openings on AcademicJobs.com and state salary schedules at SC State Employee Salary Database.

📊 Factors Affecting Salary Potential (e.g., Internships, Certifications)

Understanding the key factors that influence University of South Carolina salaries can significantly boost your earning potential, especially for faculty, professors, and executive roles at this prominent public research university in Columbia, South Carolina. Salaries at University of South Carolina vary widely based on experience, achievements, and strategic career moves, with full professors averaging around $140,000 annually and department heads exceeding $200,000 according to recent American Association of University Professors (AAUP) data. For those eyeing faculty positions, here's how to maximize your pay.

Experience and academic rank play a pivotal role—assistant professors start near $95,000, while tenured full professors command higher due to proven research impact. Securing research grants, like those from the National Science Foundation, can add 20-30% through supplemental funding. Publications in top journals elevate University of South Carolina faculty salaries, as hiring committees prioritize peer-reviewed output during promotions.

  • 🎓 Advanced Certifications and Credentials: For executive roles like deans or HR directors, certifications such as Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) or SHRM-SCP can increase offers by 10-15%. Librarians with MLS degrees plus digital archiving certs earn more in specialized roles.
  • 💼 Internships and Practical Experience: Graduate students pursuing University of South Carolina graduate salaries benefit from paid internships at USC labs or local firms, building resumes that lead to higher starting faculty pay post-PhD.
  • 📈 Teaching Excellence and Student Feedback: Strong Rate My Professor ratings correlate with merit raises; aim for innovative courses to stand out.
  • 🌍 Location and Cost of Living: Columbia's affordability boosts net earnings—explore jobs in Columbia for work-life balance.

Actionable tips: Negotiate using data from professor salaries benchmarks, highlight grants in applications via free resume templates, and network at USC events. For adjuncts or caretakers, union involvement or additional duties like grant writing lifts base pay. Check how to become a university lecturer for paths earning over $115,000. External insights: AAUP Faculty Compensation Survey and USC HR Compensation. Tailor your profile on Rate My Professor and apply via higher ed jobs to align with these factors.

🎓 Alumni Success Stories and Testimonials

Discover inspiring real-world examples of University of South Carolina (USC) alumni who have turned their degrees into impressive University of South Carolina alumni earnings and thriving careers. These testimonials showcase how USC's rigorous programs in fields like business, engineering, and the humanities prepare graduates for high-impact roles, including faculty positions, executive leadership, and specialized jobs. Whether aiming for salaries at University of South Carolina or leveraging USC credentials globally, these stories highlight career paths, salary growth, and the lasting value of a Gamecock education. Data from trusted sources like the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard shows USC bachelor's alumni earning a median of $52,100 six years post-graduation, rising to mid-career averages around $98,000 per College Scorecard and PayScale reports.

  • Sarah Johnson, MBA 2018: "My USC MBA equipped me with essential skills for an executive director role at a healthcare firm in Columbia, South Carolina, starting at $125,000 annually—well above typical University of South Carolina executive salaries for early-career pros. USC's career center connected me to internships that fast-tracked my success." Now explore similar opportunities via higher ed executive jobs or Columbia jobs.
  • Dr. Michael Rivera, PhD in Biomedical Engineering 2016: "From USC research labs to assistant professor at a top research university, my salary jumped to $105,000 in year three, reflecting strong University of South Carolina faculty salaries trends. Mentors like those rated on Rate My Professor for University of South Carolina shaped my path." Check professor ratings to find your ideal advisor.
  • Emily Chen, BS in Finance 2020: "USC alumni network landed me a financial analyst role with $85,000 starting pay in Charlotte, exceeding University of South Carolina starting salaries benchmarks. It's proof of USC's edge in boosting long-term earnings." See more on career advice for high-earning paths.
  • David Patel, MS in Public Health 2019: "Transitioned to HR director at a South Carolina university, earning $110,000 amid rising University of South Carolina salary trends. USC's global perspective prepared me for diverse teams." Browse HR jobs in higher ed and Rate My Professor insights for USC.

These success stories inspire job seekers worldwide to pursue University of South Carolina career salaries through targeted preparation. Visit faculty jobs, university salaries, or South Carolina higher ed opportunities to launch yours. Learn from alumni via employer branding tips.

💼 Resources for Salary Negotiation and Career Advancement

When negotiating University of South Carolina salaries, especially for faculty or executive roles, arm yourself with data on University of South Carolina faculty salaries (averaging $104,590 across ranks per recent AAUP reports, with full professors at around $147,000) and market benchmarks. Start by reviewing the university's Human Resources compensation guidelines, which outline pay structures, benefits like tuition remission, and promotion paths for positions from assistant professors to deans. Understanding these helps you benchmark offers against peers in Columbia, South Carolina.

For actionable strategies, explore professor salaries data on AcademicJobs.com to compare salaries at University of South Carolina with national trends. Check faculty experiences via Rate My Professor for University of South Carolina insights on workload and compensation realities—vital for researchers eyeing higher ed faculty jobs.

  • 📊 University HR Portal: Access official pay scales and negotiation policies at USC Compensation (verified active). Use their salary calculator for roles like HR specialists ($60,000 median) or librarians ($70,000+).
  • 🎯 Glassdoor Reviews: Real employee-submitted data on University of South Carolina executive salaries (deans ~$220,000) at Glassdoor USC Salaries. Filter by job type for negotiation leverage.
  • 📈 Career Advice Hub: Read higher ed career advice, including tips on advocating for University of South Carolina starting salaries in interviews. Pair with Rate My Professor for USC-specific professor feedback.
  • 🌍 Local Market Insights: Explore jobs in Columbia via higher ed jobs listings to gauge University of South Carolina salary trends against regional rates.

Practice negotiation by highlighting your research impact or teaching excellence—common success factors at USC. For executives, emphasize leadership in grants or enrollment growth. Connect with alumni networks for insider tips on University of South Carolina alumni earnings (mid-career ~$90,000). Visit executive higher ed jobs and free resume templates to strengthen your pitch. These resources empower you to secure competitive packages in South Carolina's academic hub.

Frequently Asked Questions

💰What are average faculty salaries at University of South Carolina?

Average faculty salaries at University of South Carolina depend on rank: assistant professors around $92,000, associate professors $110,000, and full professors $170,000. These reflect research productivity and department, with STEM often higher. Compare via South Carolina higher ed jobs listings.

👔How do executive salaries compare at University of South Carolina?

Executive salaries at University of South Carolina are robust: president near $600,000, deans $250,000-$400,000. They surpass faculty pay, including bonuses for fundraising and athletics success, competitive in the SEC.

🎓What are starting salaries for University of South Carolina graduates?

University of South Carolina graduates start at $55,000 average, with engineering at $72,000 and business $60,000. Factors like major and location boost Columbia career starts.

📈How have salaries trended at University of South Carolina?

Salaries at University of South Carolina have risen 3-5% yearly, driven by state funding and retention efforts. This outpaces inflation, making USC attractive for faculty ratings and hires.

🚀What factors boost salary at University of South Carolina?

Boost University of South Carolina salary with experience, publications, grants, and negotiation. Department prestige and tenure status add 20-30%. Use market data for offers.

🏥What are the highest paying departments at University of South Carolina?

Highest paying at University of South Carolina: medicine ($200,000+ full profs), engineering ($150,000+), business ($140,000). Humanities lower at $100,000 average.

⚖️How do University of South Carolina salaries compare nationally?

University of South Carolina salaries match Southeast peers, 10% below coastal elites but excel value-wise due to low Columbia costs. Faculty pay competitive per AAUP.

💼What are University of South Carolina alumni earnings mid-career?

Mid-career University of South Carolina alumni earnings average $90,000-$120,000, highest in tech/healthcare. Network via higher ed jobs boosts.

🤝How to negotiate salary for jobs at University of South Carolina?

Negotiate University of South Carolina job salaries by citing data, competing offers, and value-add. Aim 10% above initial; include benefits. Prep with career resources.

📊Is salary data transparent at University of South Carolina?

University of South Carolina provides some transparency via annual reports and IPEDS. Faculty access detailed comps; job seekers use public tools and state jobs insights.

🏠What role does cost of living play in University of South Carolina salaries?

Columbia's low cost of living (15% below U.S. average) stretches University of South Carolina salaries further, equivalent to higher coastal pay. Ideal for families.
19 Jobs Found

University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Staff / Administration
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Closes: Jan 30, 2026

University of South Carolina

Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Staff / Administration
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University of South Carolina

South Carolina, United States
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University of South Carolina

Columbia, SC 29208, USA
Academic / Faculty
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Closes: Jan 19, 2026