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.

Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist (CV/Interventional)

Company: Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Health Administration

Location: Columbia, South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This is an open continuous announcement for a Lead Diagnostic Radiologic Technologist position at the VA, with a cut-off date of November 18, 2024. U.S. citizenship is required, and proficiency in English is mandatory. Applicants must be certified by the ARRT and have at least one year of experience equivalent to GS-09. The role involves providing feedback, resolving employee complaints, and performing complex diagnostic procedures. Vaccination against COVID-19 is mandatory.

Auditor

Company: Department of Energy - Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has been ranked among the top 5 mid-size agencies in the Best Places to Work in the Federal Government Rankings. The Auditor position is located in the Office of Enforcement. U.S. Citizenship is required, and a background investigation is mandatory. The role involves conducting audits under Generally Accepted Auditing Standards or Government Auditing Standards. FERC is also recognized for its diversity, effective leadership, and work-life balance, offering telework and workplace flexibilities.

Chief, Alternative Dispute Resolution Unit

Company: Other Agencies and Independent Organizations - Office of Special Counsel

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. government is seeking an experienced Attorney-Mediator to lead its Alternative Dispute (ADR) Unit. The role involves overseeing mediation of complaints, providing legal advice on the Administrative Dispute Resolution Act of 1996, and serving as an expert in negotiation and dispute resolution. This is a challenging yet rewarding position, offering the opportunity to manage and develop OSC's ADR program while providing leadership and expertise.

ASSISTANT/ASSOCIATE/PROFESSOR

Company: Department of Defense - National Defense University

Location: Fort McNair, District of Columbia Fort McNair, District of Columbia

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The National Defense University (NDU) offers Joint Professional Military Education to U.S. Armed Forces and select others, aiming to cultivate leaders capable of navigating complex, unpredictable global scenarios. This Title 10 Excepted Service Appointment, lasting up to 3 years with potential extension, requires U.S. citizenship, registration or exemption from Selective Service for males born after 12-31-59, direct deposit, and ability to travel domestically and internationally. The role necessitates a Top Secret/SCI clearance. Qualifications include a master's degree (preferably doctorate) in a relevant field, knowledge in national security, cybersecurity, or related areas, teaching experience, research, and instructional best practices. Academic ranks (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor) have specific criteria.

Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor

Company: Department of Veterans Affairs - Veterans Health Administration

Location: Columbia, South Carolina Columbia, South Carolina

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Columbia VA Health Care System is currently recruiting for a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor (LPMHC). The role involves providing individual and group therapy, psychological assessments, and team consultation. Requirements include U.S. citizenship, proficiency in English, and a master's or doctoral degree in a relevant field from a CACREP-accredited program. A full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice is necessary. The position requires passing a background check, physical examination, and vaccination programs including COVID-19. The full performance level is GS-11, with potential for GS-09 to GS-11 selection based on experience.

Health Economist

Company: Legislative Branch - Congressional Budget Office

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) is seeking two health economists for its Health Analysis Division. The division focuses on health care and federal budget topics. The economists will contribute to new studies and improve analytical models for legislative cost estimates. Requirements include US citizenship, Ph.D. in economics or related field, and postdoctoral experience in health care program analysis. Strong quantitative skills, programming knowledge, and ability to present work to non-technical audiences are essential. This is an alternative hiring process, not competitive civil service.

Education and Sentencing Practice Specialist

Company: Judicial Branch - U. S. Sentencing Commission

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The United States Sentencing Commission is seeking an Education and Sentencing Practice Specialist. The role involves developing and delivering training programs for legal professionals on federal sentencing guidelines. The position requires relocation to Washington D.C. metro area and frequent travel across the U.S. and its territories. Mandatory qualifications include an undergraduate degree in criminal justice or related field, at least four years of relevant experience, and specialized experience equivalent to GS-11 level. Excellent communication skills and teamwork abilities are essential. Preferred qualifications include federal probation, prosecution, or defense attorney experience, training expertise, and program development skills. Benefits include comprehensive federal benefits package, flexible work schedules, telework options, and training opportunities.

Program Manager - DIRECT HIRE

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Transit Administration

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The text describes a senior position in the Office of Civil Rights (TCR) within the Federal Transit Administration. The role involves managing a comprehensive civil rights oversight program for FTA funding recipients. The job requires U.S. citizenship and specialized experience. Qualifications include managing programs or projects, analyzing issues, and developing solutions. The position may involve travel and telework. No specific education requirement is mentioned. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act applies, prohibiting the request for criminal history records before a conditional offer of employment.

Program Analyst

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The job posting is for a Program Analyst position at the IC-12 level, requiring a U.S. citizen with a background investigation for Public Trust/Moderate Risk. The ideal candidate should have strong customer service, analytical, problem-solving, and collaborative skills. They will conduct analysis of internal and external performance audit work products. Qualifications include one year of specialized experience in assessing and improving complex management processes, applying program management principles in audits, and coordinating corrective actions across multiple programs or levels of government.

Senior Attorney - Training

Company: Judicial Branch - U. S. Sentencing Commission

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

The U.S. Sentencing Commission is recruiting for a Senior Attorney - Training position. The role involves providing training and assistance to legal professionals on federal sentencing guidelines. Mandatory qualifications include a law degree, bar membership, five years of legal experience, excellent communication skills, and specialized experience in federal sentencing law. Preferred qualifications include experience as a federal criminal defense attorney or prosecutor, and training experience. Benefits include federal health, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work schedules. The Commission is located near Union Station in Washington D.C., offering amenities like a fitness center and free on-site daycare.

Emergency Management Specialist (Response)

Company: Department of Homeland Security - Federal Emergency Management Agency

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This job opportunity is for a GS-13 position in the Response and Recovery, Response Directorate, Planning Division, Exercise Branch team within FEMA. The ideal candidate should have experience overseeing, planning, developing, conducting, and organizing all-hazard focused exercises. The role requires being a U.S. citizen, passing a background investigation for Top Secret/SCI, Selective Service registration, meeting time-in-grade requirements, obtaining and maintaining a Government credit card, and being available for extended deployments within the U.S. and its territories.

Program Manager - DIRECT HIRE

Company: Department of Transportation - Federal Transit Administration

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

Posted Nov 13, 2024

This position is a Senior Liaison role in the Office of Civil Rights (TCR) within the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). The incumbent will report to the Deputy Associate Administrator and lead strategic projects, focusing on communication and coordination efforts across FTA and the Department. The role aims to enhance TCR's ability to shape, align, and communicate civil rights policy and priorities, and promote recipient compliance with federal requirements.

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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