Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in Columbia, SC
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders in the Columbia, SC metro area earn a median of $49,320 a year ($23.71 an hour), based on BLS data for 110 workers.
Pay ranges from $33,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,990 for the top 10%. That is 4% lower than the national median of $51,610. Pay here is about the same as the South Carolina statewide median of $49,320. There are 0.28 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.72). The average (mean) salary is $50,570, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Columbia, SC
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $33,430 | $16.07 |
| 25th percentile | $43,300 | $20.82 |
| Median | $49,320 | $23.71 |
| 75th percentile | $57,520 | $27.66 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $64,990 | $31.25 |
| Average (mean) | $50,570 | $24.31 |
Half of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,110 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,055 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,896.92 |
| Weekly | $948.46 |
| Hourly | $23.71 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $49,320 salary, see how much house you can afford in South Carolina at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders salary in other metro areas nearby
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Spartanburg, SC | $50,540 | 40 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | $50,260 | 300 |
| Charleston-North Charleston, SC | $49,040 | 110 |
| Greenville-Anderson-Greer, SC | $47,440 | 60 |
Highest-paying states for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Wyoming | $108,900 |
| Nevada | $62,960 |
| New Hampshire | $60,340 |
| Wisconsin | $60,100 |
| Virginia | $59,480 |
| North Dakota | $59,390 |
| Kentucky | $58,770 |
| Louisiana | $58,640 |
| New Jersey | $58,140 |
| Arizona | $57,820 |
See Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders pay in every state or the South Carolina statewide figures.
Related jobs in Columbia, SC
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $48,310 | $23.23 |
| Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders | $41,340 | $19.87 |
| Paper Goods Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $51,010 | $24.53 |
| Chemical Equipment Operators and Tenders | $57,870 | $27.82 |
| Helpers--Production Workers | $37,320 | $17.94 |
| Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $44,810 | $21.54 |
| Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator | $51,530 | $24.77 |
| Production Workers, All Other | $39,600 | $19.04 |
| Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $50,430 | $24.24 |
| Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $47,760 | $22.96 |
| Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | $48,400 | $23.27 |
| Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic | $44,790 | $21.53 |
| Ophthalmic Laboratory Technician | $36,400 | $17.50 |
| Cleaning, Washing, and Metal Pickling Equipment Operators and Tenders | $34,140 | $16.42 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-9012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders make in Columbia, SC?
The median salary for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in the Columbia, SC metro area is $49,320 a year, or $23.71 an hour. Pay ranges from $33,430 for the lowest-paid 10% to $64,990 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders make in Columbia, SC?
The top 10% of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in the Columbia, SC metro area earn at least $64,990 a year. The top 25% earn $57,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders in Columbia, SC?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $33,430 a year, and a quarter of separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders earn $43,300 or less.
How many separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders work in Columbia, SC?
About 110 separating, filtering, clarifying, precipitating, and still machine setters, operators, and tenders are employed in the Columbia, SC metro area, not counting the self-employed.