Tech Jobs in Columbia, SC

140,169 open positions · Updated daily

Columbia, SC has become a tech hotspot thanks to its mix of university talent, a thriving startup scene, and a government that actively supports innovation. The city hosts more than 100 tech companies, from global giants like IBM and Cognizant to local firms such as Carver Technologies and R&D labs at Clemson Research Park. The result is a dynamic job market where fresh hires can grow quickly and benefit from a collaborative ecosystem.

Tech roles in Columbia span software engineering, data science, cybersecurity, DevOps, and product management. Companies in the area focus on high‑impact sectors such as health‑tech, AI research, and financial services. Notable employers include IBM, Deloitte, Accenture, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, the University of South Carolina Health System, and Clemson University’s Innovation Center.

Columbia’s cost of living is roughly 10% below the U.S. average, making it attractive for tech professionals and their families. With affordable housing, low utility costs, and a vibrant food scene, the city offers a high quality of life. Transparent salary data is especially valuable here, allowing job seekers to confirm that offers align with local expenses and future savings goals.

Data Scientist

Company: Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Benefits Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

This job posting is for a position in the Veteran Benefits Administration (VBA) Office of Performance Analysis and Integrity (PA&I). The Evaluation Analysis team aims to enhance VBA's decision-making through analytical insights, capacity building, transparency, collaboration, and best practices. The role requires U.S. citizenship, background investigation, and specific education or experience in fields like Mathematics, statistics, computer science, or data science. The position is not remote and offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of a federal career.

IT Specialist (INFOSEC)

Company: Department of Transportation - Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

DOT/OST is using a Direct Hire Authority to fill IT Specialist Information Security positions in the Office of the Chief Information Officer. The role requires U.S. citizenship and specialized experience. The position involves travel and may require a government travel card, security clearance, and FAC-COR certification. The role includes providing IT support, monitoring system compliance, and preparing various reports. Knowledge, skills, and abilities in attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, problem-solving, and information systems/network security are essential.

Human Resources Specialist (Open to both U.S. Citizens and Federal Employees)

Company: Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The text describes a job opening for a Human Resources Specialist within the Office of Human Resources (OHR) at NHTSA. The role involves providing technical and administrative support in recruitment, staffing, and classification, and serving as NHTSA’s Corporate Recruiter. The position requires U.S. citizenship, specialized experience, and submission of required documents by the closing date. The job involves initiatives to recruit mission-critical occupations and contribute to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. Qualifications include education or specialized experience in HR support, qualifications analysis, personnel actions, and outreach to underrepresented groups. The role requires knowledge of HR management concepts, skills in recruitment strategies, and ability to communicate effectively.

Management and Program Analyst

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The PMO offers program and acquisition management for modernizing and sustaining the National Airspace System (NAS). This role involves advancing NAS programs from concept to operation, providing technical support for air traffic control automation and decision support systems. US Citizenship is required, and selective service registration is needed for males born after 12/31/1959. Travel is required 10% (domestic only). Qualifications include at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to FV-G, FG/GS-10/11 level, typically related to contracting officer's representative (COR) with strong background in performance monitoring and contract management, and experience navigating complex procurement processes ensuring compliance with federal acquisition policy.

Management and Program Analyst

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The text describes a job opening at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Program/Project Manager position. The role involves providing program and acquisition management for the National Airspace System (NAS), ensuring technical support for air traffic control automation and decision support systems. Candidates must have one year of specialized experience in contracting, performance monitoring, and compliance with federal acquisition policy. The job requires US citizenship and selective service registration for males born after 12/31/1959. The FAA values diversity and a culture of belonging. The position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan and requires a favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation.

Deputy Associate Administrator Federal Sealift

Company: Department of Transportation - Maritime Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The text describes a job opening for a Deputy Associate Administrator for Federal Sealift at MARAD. The role involves managing policies and programs related to ocean shipping resources, including crewing, provisioning, and maintenance. The position requires U.S. citizenship, a Secret clearance, and completion of a one-year SES probationary period. Applicants must have extensive experience in maritime industry operations and management, vessel engineering, and technical program management. They must also meet the Senior Executive Service (SES) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Fundamental Competencies. The job offers a comprehensive benefits package, including retirement plans, health benefits, and flexible spending accounts.

Management and Program Analyst

Company: Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

This job posting is for a Management and Program Analyst role in the Bureau of Industry and Security within the Department of Commerce. U.S. citizenship is required, and a background investigation, including a credit check and potential drug test, is necessary. A probationary period may be required. No specific educational requirement is stated. Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service, involving support to management on human capital requirements, providing information on human resources laws, and analyzing program effectiveness. ICTAP and CTAP eligibles are considered if they exceed the minimum qualifications. Current or former political appointees must disclose their status.

IT Specialist (INFOSEC)

Company: Department of Homeland Security - DHS Headquarters

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

This job posting is for a GS-14 position in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), specifically within the Science & Technology Directorate's Chief Information Office, Office of Enterprise Services. The role focuses on maintaining and enhancing information systems security programs to ensure system availability, confidentiality, and integrity. The position requires U.S. citizenship, background investigation, and pre-employment drug test. Specialized experience is needed, including managing IT networking and information assurance programs, leading cybersecurity engineering initiatives, and monitoring zero-trust integration performance.

Public Affairs Specialist, GS-1035-15 (Temporary NTE 1 Year)

Company: Department of Homeland Security - U.S. Coast Guard

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

This job posting is for a GS-15 position in the Department of Homeland Security, United States Coast Guard, specifically in the Office of Public Affairs in Washington, DC. The role requires U.S. citizenship and Selective Service registration for males born after 1959. Qualified applicants must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level, including establishing relationships with media and public groups, developing written materials, and creating program recommendations from public feedback.

General Engineer - DIRECT HIRE

Company: Department of Transportation - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The text describes a job opening for a General Engineer position in the Vehicle Defect Division of the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) at the U.S. Department of Transportation. The role involves identifying and investigating safety defects in motor vehicles and equipment. The position requires U.S. citizenship and specialized experience. The job comes with comprehensive federal benefits and may require a probationary period, background investigation, and completion of a government travel card. The role necessitates experience in planning and working on mechanical, electrical, and engineering programs, conducting vehicle and equipment reviews, and writing technical reports.

Insurance Examiner

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

This job posting is for a position at the Resilience, Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration. The ideal candidate should have experience applying NFIP laws and regulations to issuing/processing complex insurance policies, including analysis and litigation support. Key requirements include U.S. citizenship, passing a background investigation, Selective Service registration, time-in-grade requirements, ability to obtain and maintain a government credit card, and willingness to deploy with little notice. Qualifications include one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal government, demonstrating skills in applying NFIP laws, providing advice to senior officials, underwriting property insurance, or examining NFIP claims.

Management & Program Management

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Aviation Administration

Location: Washington, District of Columbia Washington, District of Columbia

Posted Dec 07, 2024

The text describes a job opening at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for a Program Management Officer (PMO) role. The PMO is responsible for managing and modernizing the National Airspace System (NAS). The role requires specialized experience in contracting, performance monitoring, and compliance with federal acquisition policy. US citizenship is mandatory, and selective service registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. The position is covered by the FAA Core Compensation plan and requires a favorable adjudication of a Minimum Background Investigation (MBI). The FAA values diversity and a culture of belonging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of tech jobs are available in Columbia, SC?
Full‑stack developer, mobile app engineer, data analyst, cybersecurity specialist, cloud architect, AI/ML researcher, product manager, UX designer, DevOps engineer, and IT support specialist. Local companies such as IBM, Deloitte, and Clemson University employ talent across these roles.
How common are remote versus on‑site tech positions in Columbia?
About 70% of listings allow hybrid or remote work. On‑site roles cluster at Clemson Research Park, the SC Department of Transportation, and corporate campuses of IBM and Deloitte. Firms like Accenture and Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC also support flexible arrangements for most tech roles.
Which major employers dominate Columbia’s tech scene?
IBM, Cognizant, Deloitte, Accenture, Blue Cross Blue Shield of SC, University of South Carolina Health System, Clemson University, Carver Technologies, and the South Carolina Department of Transportation are key employers.
What are salary expectations for tech talent in Columbia?
Junior engineers earn $70,000–$85,000, mid‑level $85,000–$115,000, and senior roles $115,000–$140,000+. The median tech salary in Columbia is about $95,000, 8% higher than the national tech median but still below the cost‑of‑living adjusted national average.
How can a tech professional relocate to Columbia, SC?
Research neighborhoods—Downtown, West Columbia, and Lake Murray offer great affordability and amenities. Use local rental sites like Zillow and Craigslist, and consider co‑working spaces such as The Foundry. Attend Columbia Tech Hub meetups, join the South Carolina tech LinkedIn group, and explore city relocation grants and tax incentives through the South Carolina Economic Development Office.

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