What is the average salary in Columbia, MD?
Columbia, MD, offers a range of salary opportunities across various industries. The average yearly salary is $77,313. This average reflects the diverse economic landscape of the area. Many people find jobs that align with their skills and experience levels.
Here are some of the most common salary ranges in Columbia, MD:
- Business and financial operations: $32,250
- Computer and mathematical occupations: $48,409
- Architecture and engineering occupations: $64,568
- Life, physical, and social science occupations: $80,727
- Community and social service occupations: $96,886
- Legal occupations: $113,045
- Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations: $129,205
- Educational, guidance, and library occupations: $145,364
- Arts, design, entertainment, sports, and media occupations: $161,523
- Management occupations: $177,682
- Protective service occupations: $193,841
- Other occupations: $210,000
What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD?

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DevOps Engineer
Average Salary: $155,623
DevOps engineers create automated processes. They work closely with development and IT teams. Companies like Amazon Web Services are hiring for this role.
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Software Engineer
Average Salary: $150,385
Software engineers design and create applications. They write code and test software. Local tech firms are always in need of skilled software engineers.
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Systems Engineer
Average Salary: $149,949
Systems engineers manage and integrate systems. They ensure everything works smoothly. Companies like Microsoft value these professionals for their technical skills.
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Information Security Engineer
Average Salary: $139,261
Information security engineers protect data. They monitor networks and prevent breaches. Local banks and financial firms hire these experts to safeguard information.
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Cloud Engineer
Average Salary: $137,498
Cloud engineers manage cloud infrastructure. They deploy and maintain cloud services. Tech giants like Google offer these jobs in the area.
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Pharmacist
Average Salary: $136,377
Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients. They ensure proper drug usage. Local pharmacies and hospitals are hiring for this role.
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Nurse Practitioner
Average Salary: $133,970
Nurse practitioners provide primary care. They diagnose and treat illnesses. Healthcare facilities need qualified nurse practitioners to serve the community.
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Behavior Analyst
Average Salary: $129,348
Behavior analysts assess and improve behavior. They work with individuals to develop better habits. Schools and clinics hire these specialists to support students and patients.
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Systems Administrator
Average Salary: $126,187
Systems administrators manage computer systems. They ensure networks run smoothly. Local businesses need these professionals to maintain IT infrastructure.
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Engineer
Average Salary: $125,040
Engineers design and build solutions. They work in various fields such as civil, mechanical, or electrical. Companies value engineers for their problem-solving skills.
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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD without a degree?

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Canvasser
Average Salary: $59,696
Promote products and gather information for local companies. Walk neighborhoods to engage with residents. Some top companies hiring include local marketing firms and political campaign teams.
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Restaurant Manager
Average Salary: $47,412
Oversee daily operations at local eateries. Manage staff, ensure a pleasant dining experience, and handle finances. Companies such as local chains and independent restaurants are always on the lookout for capable managers.
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Housekeeping
Average Salary: $39,393
Clean and maintain hotel rooms and public areas. Follow cleaning schedules and use appropriate cleaning products. Opportunities are available with various hotels and hospitality firms in the area.
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Floor Tech
Average Salary: $37,379
Maintain cleanliness and safety in commercial spaces. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and sanitizing. Many local businesses and property management companies need floor technicians.
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Line Cook
Average Salary: $37,105
Prepare ingredients and cook dishes in fast-paced kitchens. Work under pressure to meet customer demands. Positions are available at numerous local restaurants and food service companies.
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Server
Average Salary: $35,893
Take orders and serve food and beverages to customers. Ensure a friendly dining experience. Many local eateries and cafes look for experienced servers.
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Barista
Average Salary: $34,251
Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Maintain the coffee station and customer service. Opportunities exist at local coffee shops and cafes.
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Dishwasher
Average Salary: $33,775
Wash dishes, utensils, and cookware. Ensure cleanliness in the kitchen. Many local restaurants and hotels need diligent dishwashers.
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To Go Specialist
Average Salary: $33,339
Prepare and package orders for customers to go. Ensure orders are accurate and timely. Opportunities are available at various food service locations in the city.
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Kitchen Team Member
Average Salary: $33,220
Assist in food preparation and kitchen operations. Work in a team to meet kitchen demands. Many local restaurants and food service companies hire kitchen team members.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MD?

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Leidos
Average Salary: $150,367
Leidos is a global technology, engineering, and science company. They work on projects in areas like national security, health, and energy. They offer a wide range of job opportunities with competitive salaries.
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Amazon Web Services
Average Salary: $140,312
AWS, a part of Amazon, offers cloud computing services. They need experts in tech and software development. Employees benefit from good salaries and job stability.
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HII
Average Salary: $135,430
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) builds ships for the Navy. They offer careers in engineering, manufacturing, and technology. Their employees enjoy solid pay and benefits.
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MedStar Health
Average Salary: $123,784
MedStar Health is a healthcare provider with many hospitals and clinics. They offer jobs in medical care, administration, and support. Salaries are competitive in the healthcare field.
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Piper Companies
Average Salary: $114,728
Piper Companies offers financial services and investment advice. They hire for roles in finance, analysis, and client services. Job seekers find good pay and career growth here.
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Tenable
Average Salary: $111,483
Tenable provides cybersecurity solutions. They need experts in information security and IT. Employees benefit from high salaries and a dynamic work environment.
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ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH & Co. KG
Average Salary: $103,998
Rohde & Schwarz is a tech company that develops communication and security technology. They offer jobs in engineering, software development, and testing. Salaries here are quite attractive.
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Enterprise Community Partners
Average Salary: $100,999
Enterprise Community Partners support affordable housing. They hire for roles in management, finance, and community development. Employees enjoy good pay and a positive work culture.
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LifeStance Health
Average Salary: $98,836
LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They need psychiatrists, therapists, and support staff. They offer competitive salaries and a chance to make a difference in people's lives.
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Johns Hopkins University
Average Salary: $98,809
Johns Hopkins University is a top research institution. They offer jobs in education, research, and administration. Employees benefit from good salaries and a prestigious work environment.
How does the cost of living in Columbia, MD compare to the national average?

Columbia, MD, stands out with a cost of living index that generally exceeds the nationwide average of 100. Notably, housing costs in Columbia are 45% higher than the national average, with an index score of 145. This makes housing the most expensive category compared to other living expenses. Groceries also reflect higher costs, with an index of 109, indicating they are 9% pricier than the national average.
Transportation and healthcare expenses in Columbia also rise above the national average. Transportation costs are 12% higher, with an index of 112, while healthcare costs are 16% above average at an index of 116. Utilities, however, remain relatively close to the national average, with an index of 98, showing only a 2% decrease. Miscellaneous expenses also mirror the national average, with an index of 105, marking a modest 5% increase. This detailed comparison highlights the cost differences that job seekers and residents should consider when planning their budget in Columbia, MD.



