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What is the average salary in Columbia, MD?

The average salary in Columbia, MD is $74,127 per year.

Columbia, MD offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary in the area stands at around $74,127. This reflects a solid earning potential for those seeking employment in the region. Key industries offering competitive wages include technology, healthcare, and finance.


Different roles come with different salary expectations. For example, jobs in technology and healthcare often offer higher salaries. Here is a look at some specific salary brackets:

  • Technology: Starting at around $63,000
  • Healthcare: Starting at around $47,500
  • Finance: Starting at around $78,500
Prospective job seekers can find a suitable position that aligns with their skills and career aspirations in Columbia, MD.

View jobs in Columbia, MD

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD?

Job seekers in Columbia, MD, can find several top-paying opportunities in various fields. High-paying roles in the area include DevOps Engineer, Systems Engineer, and Software Engineer. These positions offer competitive salaries and promising career growth. For instance, a DevOps Engineer earns an average salary of over $152,000. A Systems Engineer and a Software Engineer also enjoy six-figure salaries. These roles require specific skills and qualifications, making them ideal for experienced professionals looking to advance their careers. Additionally, jobs in healthcare, like Pharmacist and Nurse Practitioner, offer excellent compensation as well.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MD, highlighting DevOps Engineer with the highest at $152,657 and Behavior Analyst with the lowest at $121,869.
  1. DevOps Engineer
    Average Salary: $152,657
    A DevOps engineer automates deployment processes and maintains system infrastructure. This role involves working closely with development and operations teams to ensure software is released smoothly. In Columbia, companies like Cisco Systems and MedStar Health look for skilled DevOps engineers.
    Find DevOps Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  2. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $151,204
    Systems engineers design and optimize complex systems to ensure they run efficiently. They manage hardware and software systems, making sure everything works together seamlessly. At places like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, systems engineers are essential for maintaining operational excellence.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $146,401
    Software engineers create, test, and maintain software applications. They work closely with teams to understand needs and develop solutions. In Columbia, tech companies like IBM and T-Mobile seek skilled software engineers to innovate and improve their software products.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  4. Information Security Engineer
    Average Salary: $139,993
    An information security engineer protects company data and systems from breaches. They assess vulnerabilities and implement security measures. Organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton and CACI International rely on these experts to safeguard their information assets.
    Find Information Security Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  5. Cloud Engineer
    Average Salary: $136,647
    Cloud engineers manage cloud-based services and infrastructure. They ensure that cloud systems operate smoothly and securely. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) look for cloud engineers to help manage their cloud solutions.
    Find Cloud Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  6. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $132,365
    Pharmacists prepare and dispense medications, and advise on their use. They work in pharmacies and healthcare facilities to ensure patients get the right treatments. Local pharmacies and hospitals in Columbia hire pharmacists to support community health.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MD


  7. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $131,752
    Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty healthcare services. They diagnose and treat conditions, prescribe medications, and offer health education. Healthcare providers in Columbia, such as Johns Hopkins Medicine, often hire nurse practitioners to expand their services.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MD


  8. Systems Administrator
    Average Salary: $125,558
    Systems administrators manage and maintain computer systems. They ensure systems are secure and running efficiently. In Columbia, IT companies and local businesses hire systems administrators to manage their IT infrastructure effectively.
    Find Systems Administrator jobs in Columbia, MD


  9. Engineer
    Average Salary: $124,668
    Engineers design, build, and test various systems and products. They apply principles of math and science to solve practical problems. Many engineering firms in Columbia, such as AECOM and WSP Global, employ engineers to work on diverse projects.
    Find Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  10. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $121,869
    Behavior analysts study and implement behavior modification plans. They work with individuals to improve their skills and behaviors. Educational and healthcare organizations in Columbia, such as Kennedy Krieger Institute, hire behavior analysts to support their programs.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Columbia, MD

What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD without a degree?

Job seekers in Columbia, MD, can find several well-paying roles that don’t require a degree. Canvassers, for example, earn a high average of $59,574 annually. These positions involve talking to local residents and gathering information, making it a great option for those who enjoy face-to-face interactions. Other top-paying jobs include roles like Restaurant Manager, Groundskeeper, and Housekeeping, each offering average salaries above $36,000. These roles demand strong organizational skills and teamwork, providing a rewarding experience for those entering the workforce.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MD without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $59,574 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $39,560.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $59,574
    This role involves gathering information and insights from the community. Working for companies like local businesses or political campaigns, the canvasser will meet potential customers or voters. They ask questions and record responses. This job requires strong communication skills and the ability to interact with many different people.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, MD


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,685
    A restaurant manager oversees daily operations. They ensure smooth service and a great dining experience. Duties include managing staff, handling orders, and maintaining cleanliness. Working at a popular dining spot, they coordinate with cooks, servers, and other team members. This role requires good organizational skills and the ability to handle pressure.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, MD


  3. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $39,560
    In this role, the groundskeeper maintains the outdoor areas. They may work for a residential community or a public park. Tasks include mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, and cleaning up debris. They use tools and equipment to keep spaces looking neat. This job requires physical strength and attention to detail.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MD?

Job seekers looking for top-paying companies in Columbia, MD, have several excellent options. Leidos offers the highest average salary at $150,068, followed closely by HII at $136,333. These companies provide competitive compensation packages that can significantly benefit your career. Other notable employers in Columbia include Tenable, Enterprise Community Partners, and the University of Maryland Medical System. Tenable pays an average of $109,730, while Enterprise Community Partners and the University of Maryland Medical System both offer around $100,000. These companies also stand out for providing attractive salaries and career growth opportunities. Exploring these employers can help you find a job that offers both financial security and professional development.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MD, highlighting Leidos with the highest at $150,068 and STEPS Behavioral Health with the lowest at $93,523.
  1. Leidos
    Average Salary: $150,068
    Leidos is a global technology, engineering, and science company. They offer exciting career opportunities with competitive salaries.


  2. HII
    Average Salary: $136,333
    Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is a major defense contractor. They provide strong compensation packages for their employees.


  3. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $114,988
    Piper Companies is a real estate investment firm. They offer good salaries and benefits to their staff.


  4. Tenable
    Average Salary: $109,730
    Tenable is a cybersecurity company. They pay well and provide a supportive work environment.


  5. Enterprise Community Partners
    Average Salary: $101,612
    Enterprise Community Partners supports affordable housing. They offer competitive pay and opportunities for growth.


  6. University of Maryland Medical System
    Average Salary: $99,742
    This health system offers healthcare careers with good salaries and benefits.


  7. Pediatric Developmental Services
    Average Salary: $97,416
    They provide services for children with developmental disabilities. Salaries are competitive in this field.


  8. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $95,161
    LifeStance Health is a mental health company. They offer a good salary and a positive work environment.


  9. Johns Hopkins University
    Average Salary: $95,033
    A renowned institution, Johns Hopkins offers various career opportunities with attractive compensation.


  10. STEPS Behavioral Health
    Average Salary: $93,523
    STEPS Behavioral Health provides behavioral health services. They offer good pay and career development opportunities.

How does the cost of living in Columbia, MD compare to the national average?

Columbia, MD, has a higher cost of living index compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs are notably 37% higher, while groceries, utilities, and healthcare remain close to the average. Overall, the cost of living in Columbia is about 9% higher than the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MD vs. Nationwide: housing 37% higher, groceries 5% higher, utilities 10% higher, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 6% higher, miscellaneous 4% higher.

The cost of living in Columbia, MD, shows noticeable differences compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia stand at 137, meaning they are 37% higher than the national average. This increase can significantly impact budgets, making it essential for residents to plan carefully for their housing expenses.


Other categories also reflect variations from the average. For example, groceries in Columbia are priced at 105, which is 5% above the national average. Utilities cost 110, showing a 10% increase. Transportation prices are slightly lower, at 97, which means they are 3% below the average. Healthcare costs also rise to 106, which is a 6% increase. Miscellaneous expenses in Columbia are set at 104, indicating a 4% rise above the average. These factors together paint a picture of Columbia's cost of living, highlighting areas where expenses are higher and lower than the national norm.

There are 1,231 job openings in Columbia, MD, today!

Take a deeper dive into the job market in Columbia, MD

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Columbia, MD
1,231 Job Openings