As of August 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Cargo Handler in Columbia, SC is $30,628, equivalent to $15 per hour, $589 weekly, or $2,552 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Cargo Handler in cities like San Jose, Santa Clara, and San Francisco.

Annually Salaries for Cargo Handler in Columbia, SC vary widely, spanning from $26,587 to $34,529. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($28,513) and 75th percentile ($32,670), while top earners (90th percentile) make $34,529 per year. This $4,157 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Customer Service or Inventory Control, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.

Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, Columbia Cargo Handler often earn 1.4% lower than national averages. However, Columbia currently ranks 674 statewide for Cargo Handler job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Cargo Handler Salaries by Percentile
Percentile Salary Location Last Updated
10th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $26,587 Columbia, SC August 01, 2026
25th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $28,513 Columbia, SC August 01, 2026
50th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $30,628 Columbia, SC August 01, 2026
75th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $32,670 Columbia, SC August 01, 2026
90th Percentile Cargo Handler Salary $34,529 Columbia, SC August 01, 2026
25% $28,513 10% $26,587 90% $34,529 75% $32,670 $30,628 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click
Change Search Criteria

Cargo Handler

Review the job openings, similar jobs, level of education, and experience requirements for the Cargo Handler job to confirm that it is the job you are seeking.

See user submitted job responsibilities for Cargo Handler.

Job Openings for Cargo Handler in Columbia, SC

Career Path for this job

  1. This Job:

    Cargo Handler

    0 - 1 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

  2. Up a level:

    Materials Handler II

    1 - 3 years experience
    High School Diploma or Technical Certificate

Understand the total compensation opportunity for a Cargo Handler, base salary plus other pay elements

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
28513
32670
30628

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
30712
37778
33828
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Cargo Handler in Columbia, SC. The base salary for Cargo Handler ranges from $28,513 to $32,670 with the average base salary of $30,628. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $30,712 to $37,778 with the average total cash compensation of $33,828.

Discover how your pay is adjusted for skills, experience, and other factors

How much should you be paid?

For a real-time salary target, tell us more about your role in the four categories below.

28513
32670

 

About Columbia, South Carolina    One of Columbia's more prominent geographical features is its fall line, the boundary between the upland Piedmont region and the Atlantic Coastal Plai....More

Columbia, South Carolina  area prices were up 1.5% from a year ago

Cargo Handler Salary in popular cities: CharlestonNorth CharlestonMount Pleasant

Recently searched related titles: Ground Operations Crew

Jobs with a similar salary range to Cargo Handler : Handler, Records Associate, Material Handling