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.

Business and Industry Specialist

Company: Department of Commerce - Bureau of Industry and Security

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job posting is for a Business and Industry Specialist role in the Bureau of Industry and Security, Office of the Under Secretary (OUS), Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS) within the Department of Commerce. The position requires U.S. citizenship, a background investigation, and a Top Secret/SCI security clearance. Specialized experience is needed, involving writing assignments related to regulatory initiatives, developing objectives for business and industry initiatives, managing programs, and providing analysis on business/industry issues. No specific education requirement exists, but volunteer work is considered. ICTAP and CTAP eligibles must meet certain criteria. A comprehensive benefits package is offered to federal employees.

Lead Teacher

Company: Legislative Branch - House of Representatives

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The text describes a Lead Teacher role in a childcare setting. The responsibilities include coordinating and overseeing daily childcare services, providing active supervision, and maintaining positive relationships with children and families. The role requires an Associate's degree in early childhood education or similar field, with a preference for a bachelor's degree. A minimum of 2 years of experience with young children is necessary, along with various certifications. The position involves light to moderate physical activity and requires knowledge of child development, educational standards, and health and safety regulations. Successful completion of a criminal history check, drug test, and Public Trust investigation with a Child Registry check is mandatory. The role offers a comprehensive benefits package as part of a U.S. government career.

Local Hire (Emergency Management Specialist 3)

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

Location: Columbia, South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking temporary local hires in Columbia, SC to aid in disaster response and recovery efforts. These local hires, typically residents of the affected area, will assist in community recovery for 120 days, with potential extensions based on ongoing needs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, pass a background investigation, and meet education requirements. A Master's degree or equivalent experience is preferred. Local hires will receive benefits including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, sick leave, holiday pay, and worker's compensation.

INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER/COMPUTER SCIENTIST

Company: Department of the Navy - STRATEGIC SYSTEMS PROGRAMS (SSP)

Location: Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia Washington Navy Yard, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This is a public notice flyer for anticipated vacancies. Interested applicants must follow specific application instructions, as responses to this flyer won't guarantee consideration. The role requires US citizenship, federal employment suitability, direct deposit participation, and successful E-Verify check. New hires must pass a pre-employment drug test and obtain security clearances. The position may involve travel and requires DAWIA certification within set timeframes. Specialized experience in system security engineering advisory is needed, along with a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science. The role is part of the Navy Nuclear Deterrent Mission and the DoD Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project.

Procurement Analyst

Company: Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job position is within the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office of Administration (OA), Acquisition Management Division (AMD). The DOJ's mission is to uphold the rule of law, ensure safety, and protect civil rights. OJP aims to foster safe, just, and engaged communities. Requirements include U.S. citizenship, background check, direct deposit, Selective Service registration, drug testing, and a probationary period. Qualifications involve a FAC-C (Professional) certification, 4 years of contracting experience, or a relevant bachelor's degree. Specialized experience is needed, such as reviewing solicitations for federal acquisition regulation compliance, developing acquisition strategies, resolving complex discrepancies, and providing acquisition training. The position offers telework, flexible schedules, potential recruitment and relocation incentives, and is located in Washington D.C.

MINING ENGINEER

Company: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Export-Import Bank of the United States

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job announcement details the requirements and qualifications for a position within the agency. The role involves mining engineering principles, reviewing technical analyses, assessing project risks, and reviewing complex project documentation. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, undergo a background check, and obtain a national security clearance. They must also have specialized experience in mining engineering, equivalent to at least GS-13 level. The position may be used to fill similar roles within 90 days. Current or former political appointees must disclose their employment history. The application process requires detailed work experience, education, and relevant skills documentation.

Project Manager

Company: Department of Commerce - National Institute of Standards and Technology

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This notice is issued under direct-hire authority in response to the CHIPS Act of 2022. NIST has a critical hiring need. The position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level. Specialized experience includes tracking and monitoring project execution, and semiconductor industry experience. The role is covered under NIST's Alternative Personnel Management System (APMS), offering a pay-for-performance system with various work-life flexibilities.

IT CYBERSECURITY SPECIALIST (Privacy Officer)

Company: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Development Finance Corporation

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) Office of Information Technology (OIT) is seeking an IT Cybersecurity Specialist (Privacy Officer). The role involves assisting with planning, developing, analyzing, evaluating, and administering the agency's Privacy Program, including policy and training development, program oversight, providing guidance on privacy-related matters, and implementing and assessing privacy activities. Requirements include U.S. citizenship, potential registration for Selective Service, submission of resume and supporting documents, suitability for federal employment, and ability to obtain a secret/top-secret security clearance. Applicants must have IT-related experience demonstrating attention to detail, customer service, oral communication, and problem-solving skills. They must also have one year of specialized experience in providing privacy program advocacy, oversight, and guidance, analyzing privacy source information systems for compliance, and developing privacy training. The position offers a flexible work schedule, telework suitability, and potential recruitment and relocation incentives.

Human Resources Specialist (Compensation)

Company: Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office of Administration (OA), Human Resources Division (HRD), Talent Management and Employee Services Branch (TMESB) is seeking a talented professional. The Human Resources Division (HRD) is a team of strategists, analysts, recruiters, developers, and change agents. The role involves supporting daily work life of OJP contributors through cutting-edge initiatives. U.S. Citizenship is required, and the position involves a background/suitability investigation, direct deposit, Selective Service registration, pre-employment drug testing, and a probationary period. The role requires experience in payroll and personnel actions using the Department of Agriculture's National Finance Center (NFC) system. Specialized experience is needed for GS-12 and GS-13 levels, with examples including analyzing federal regulations, providing guidance on payroll processes, and offering advice on compensation matters. Technical qualifications include payroll administration, research and analysis, information services, and HR systems project management.

Information Technology Specialist (APPSW)

Company: Department of the Treasury - Treasury, Departmental Offices

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job posting is for an Information Technology Specialist (APPSW) position at the Departmental Offices, Management CFO - Office of DC Pensions. The role involves managing systems that support complex retirement programs and reporting to the Assistant Director, IT Systems Administration. Key requirements include U.S. Citizenship, a background investigation, and compliance with federal ethics laws. Specialized experience is needed, including managing COTS software systems, coordinating tasks in Oracle PaaS/SaaS environments, providing project planning, and communicating with senior leadership. The position offers competitive benefits, opportunities for advancement, and flexible work schedules.

PATHWAYS RECENT GRADUATE - Data Scientist

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Transit Administration

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Transit Administration (FTA), Office of the Chief Data Officer (OCDO) is seeking recent graduates for a position. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the Pathways Recent Graduates program requirements. They must submit an application and resume online by the closing date, and provide required documents. The position involves a two-year trial period, mentorship, and formal training. Qualifications include experience in statistical analysis, Python/R/SQL, and collaboration with stakeholders. A degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Data Science, or related field is required. Federal benefits are offered.

Management Analyst

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The text describes a job posting for a Management Analyst position at the IC-07 level. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in data analysis and improving operational efficiency. They must be a U.S. citizen, pass a Secret-level background investigation, and be able to deploy domestically with little notice. Qualifications include one year of specialized experience or a combination of education and experience. The role requires conducting quantitative and qualitative analysis, proposing program plans, and creating efficiency within resource management. The position is non-bargaining unit and may require deployment travel.

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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