What is the average salary in Columbia, MD?
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
What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD?

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

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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.
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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.
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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.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MD?

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Leidos
Average Salary: $150,068
Leidos is a global technology, engineering, and science company. They offer exciting career opportunities with competitive salaries.
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HII
Average Salary: $136,333
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) is a major defense contractor. They provide strong compensation packages for their employees.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $114,988
Piper Companies is a real estate investment firm. They offer good salaries and benefits to their staff.
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Tenable
Average Salary: $109,730
Tenable is a cybersecurity company. They pay well and provide a supportive work environment.
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Enterprise Community Partners
Average Salary: $101,612
Enterprise Community Partners supports affordable housing. They offer competitive pay and opportunities for growth.
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University of Maryland Medical System
Average Salary: $99,742
This health system offers healthcare careers with good salaries and benefits.
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Pediatric Developmental Services
Average Salary: $97,416
They provide services for children with developmental disabilities. Salaries are competitive in this field.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $95,161
LifeStance Health is a mental health company. They offer a good salary and a positive work environment.
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Johns Hopkins University
Average Salary: $95,033
A renowned institution, Johns Hopkins offers various career opportunities with attractive compensation.
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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?

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.



