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What is the average salary in Columbia, MD?

The average salary in Columbia, MD is $76,122 per year.

Columbia, MD offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is around $76,122. This varies by industry, with some sectors offering higher wages than others. Job seekers can expect to see a mix of salaries across different fields. This makes Columbia an attractive place to find employment.


Some of the top-paying industries in Columbia, MD include:

  • Technology: $128,641
  • Finance: $144,664
  • Healthcare: $112,618
  • Education: $80,570
  • Retail: $48,524

These figures show that certain industries pay well above the average salary. Job seekers with skills in these high-paying sectors may find excellent career opportunities in Columbia, MD.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD?

Columbia, MD offers a range of high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Leading the list are roles in IT and healthcare, which demand both technical expertise and specialized knowledge. The average salary for jobs like DevOps Engineer and Systems Engineer exceeds $145,000. This makes these fields particularly attractive for those seeking financial stability and career growth. Among the top-paying positions, healthcare roles such as Nurse Practitioner and Pharmacist also provide excellent compensation. These careers emphasize patient care and often include opportunities for advancement. Additionally, IT roles like Information Security Engineer and Cloud Engineer are highly lucrative, with salaries that reflect the importance of cybersecurity and cloud services. For job seekers, these positions offer promising prospects in a thriving local economy.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MD, highlighting DevOps Engineer with the highest at $156,571 and Systems Administrator with the lowest at $122,933.
  1. DevOps Engineer
    Average Salary: $156,571
    Helps with software development and IT operations. Works with companies like tech startups and established firms. Manages deployment, integration, and automation.
    Find DevOps Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  2. Systems Engineer
    Average Salary: $149,982
    Works to improve IT systems. Collaborates with major firms in the area. Focuses on integrating hardware and software to boost performance.
    Find Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  3. Software Engineer
    Average Salary: $148,698
    Designs and builds software applications. Companies seek candidates for their tech projects. Develops systems that meet specific needs of the business.
    Find Software Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  4. Information Security Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,644
    Protects company information from threats. Works with large corporations and tech firms. Creates and maintains security protocols to safeguard data.
    Find Information Security Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  5. Cloud Engineer
    Average Salary: $137,513
    Manages cloud infrastructure for companies. Works with cloud service providers and tech giants. Ensures systems run smoothly and efficiently.
    Find Cloud Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD


  6. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $137,278
    Provides primary and specialty care to patients. Works in various healthcare settings. Requires a strong background in patient care and diagnostics.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MD


  7. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $135,395
    Dispensing medications to patients. Works in retail and hospital pharmacies. Ensures safety and proper use of medications.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MD


  8. Behavior Analyst
    Average Salary: $126,340
    Evaluates and improves behavioral issues. Works in educational and healthcare settings. Utilizes data to develop effective behavior intervention plans.
    Find Behavior Analyst jobs in Columbia, MD


  9. Engineer
    Average Salary: $123,171
    Designs and develops new technologies. Companies look for expertise in various engineering fields. Focuses on creating solutions for complex problems.
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  10. Systems Administrator
    Average Salary: $122,933
    Manages and maintains computer systems. Works in corporate environments. Ensures systems are running efficiently and securely.
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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MD without a degree?

Columbia, MD, offers several high-paying job opportunities that do not need a college degree. Workers can earn good salaries in roles such as canvasser and restaurant manager. These jobs provide a chance for stable income with the potential for growth and advancement. Canvassers in Columbia earn an average of $58,721 annually, making it one of the highest-paying jobs in the area without a degree. Restaurant managers also enjoy a solid average salary of $49,341 each year. These roles benefit from hands-on experience and a friendly work environment, allowing for a good living while gaining valuable skills.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MD without a degree, highlighting Canvasser with the highest at $58,721 and Kitchen Team Member with the lowest at $33,193.
  1. Canvasser
    Average Salary: $58,721
    This role involves visiting neighborhoods to promote products or services. It is a good fit for those who enjoy talking to people and are comfortable with direct sales. Companies often look for canvassers who can handle the outdoor work.
    Find Canvasser jobs in Columbia, MD


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $49,341
    Manage day-to-day operations at a restaurant. Duties include overseeing staff, managing inventory, and ensuring customer satisfaction. Success in this role comes from strong leadership skills and a passion for the food industry. Local restaurants offer opportunities for growth and advancement.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, MD


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $39,717
    Clean and maintain rooms in hotels and other hospitality settings. Attention to detail and a strong work ethic are key. This job allows for flexible scheduling and often includes benefits. Many hotels in Columbia offer competitive pay and opportunities for overtime.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbia, MD


  4. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $37,269
    Ensure the cleanliness and safety of the floor. Tasks include sweeping, mopping, and removing debris. Attention to safety protocols is important. This role is crucial for maintaining a safe and clean environment in various settings.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MD


  5. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $36,858
    Prepare ingredients and cook food in a commercial kitchen. Must work quickly and efficiently under pressure. This position requires culinary skills and a willingness to work in a fast-paced environment. Many restaurants in Columbia offer hands-on training and opportunities to advance.
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  6. Server
    Average Salary: $35,897
    Serve food and beverages to customers in a restaurant. Excellent customer service skills are essential. This job involves taking orders, delivering food, and ensuring a pleasant dining experience. Many restaurants offer tips, which can increase earnings.
    Find Server jobs in Columbia, MD


  7. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $34,000
    Prepare and package orders for takeout or delivery. Must be organized and able to handle multiple tasks. This role is vital for efficient order processing and customer satisfaction. Local eateries often value employees who can maintain accuracy and speed.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MD


  8. Barista
    Average Salary: $33,852
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. Must have a good understanding of various coffee drinks. This job involves customer interaction and can be fast-paced. Coffee shops in Columbia offer a vibrant atmosphere and opportunities to learn new skills.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbia, MD


  9. Dishwasher
    Average Salary: $33,329
    Clean dishes, utensils, and kitchen equipment. Must be detail-oriented and able to work in a hot, fast-paced environment. This role is essential for keeping the kitchen clean and efficient. Many local restaurants offer flexible schedules and overtime opportunities.
    Find Dishwasher jobs in Columbia, MD


  10. Kitchen Team Member
    Average Salary: $33,193
    Assist in various kitchen tasks, from prep to cooking. Requires teamwork and adaptability. This position is ideal for those who enjoy a dynamic work environment. Local restaurants often provide training and opportunities for advancement.
    Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Columbia, MD

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MD?

Job seekers in Columbia, MD, will find that several companies offer competitive salaries. Leidos stands out with an average salary of $151,188. This company provides opportunities in technology and defense. Following closely is Amazon Web Services, with an average salary of $139,968, offering jobs in cloud computing and IT services. Other top-paying companies include HII, MedStar Health, and Piper Companies. HII offers an average salary of $134,267 in shipbuilding and aerospace. MedStar Health provides healthcare roles with an average of $125,103. Piper Companies offers financial services positions with an average salary of $114,988. These companies provide various opportunities across multiple industries.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MD, highlighting Leidos with the highest at $151,188 and LifeStance Health with the lowest at $98,108.
  1. Leidos
    Average Salary: $151,188
    Leidos offers various jobs in technology and engineering. They focus on innovation and solutions for national security, health, and infrastructure.


  2. Amazon Web Services
    Average Salary: $139,968
    Amazon Web Services provides cloud computing services. They help businesses scale and innovate through their technology platforms.


  3. HII
    Average Salary: $134,267
    HII specializes in advanced technology solutions for the defense and aerospace sectors. They focus on innovation and excellence in shipbuilding and technology.


  4. MedStar Health
    Average Salary: $125,103
    MedStar Health is a leading healthcare provider. They focus on delivering quality patient care and medical education.


  5. Piper Companies
    Average Salary: $114,988
    Piper Companies offer financial services and investment advice. They are known for their expertise and personalized service.


  6. Tenable
    Average Salary: $112,389
    Tenable specializes in cybersecurity solutions. They help organizations detect and address vulnerabilities to protect their digital assets.


  7. ROHDE & SCHWARZ GmbH & Co. KG
    Average Salary: $102,201
    ROHDE & SCHWARZ provides communications technology. They focus on innovation and solutions for the telecommunications and aerospace sectors.


  8. Enterprise Community Partners
    Average Salary: $100,292
    Enterprise Community Partners is a nonprofit focused on affordable housing. They work to create opportunities for low-income families.


  9. University of Maryland Medical System
    Average Salary: $99,434
    The University of Maryland Medical System offers healthcare services. They focus on patient care, education, and medical research.


  10. LifeStance Health
    Average Salary: $98,108
    LifeStance Health provides mental health services. They are dedicated to improving patient outcomes through personalized care.

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

The cost of living index in Columbia, MD, shows that residents face higher expenses across most categories compared to the nationwide average of 100. For instance, housing costs are 25% higher, while groceries and healthcare also surpass the average by 10% and 15%, respectively. Utilities and miscellaneous expenses are also 5% and 20% above the national average. However, transportation costs in Columbia, MD, stand at 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. This variance indicates that while many areas have elevated costs, transportation offers a more affordable option for residents.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MD vs. Nationwide: housing 25% higher, groceries 10% higher, utilities 5% higher, transportation 5% lower, healthcare 15% higher, miscellaneous 20% higher.

Columbia, MD, exhibits a cost of living index that, on average, is higher than the nationwide benchmark of 100. Housing costs in Columbia are significantly elevated, standing at 125. This means housing expenses are 25% more than the national average. Job seekers should be prepared for their housing costs to potentially increase by a quarter. Groceries also cost more, with an index of 110, indicating a 10% rise over the national average. This means that grocery bills in Columbia are about 10% higher than what one might find across the country.


Utilities in Columbia show a moderate increase, with an index of 105, meaning costs are 5% higher than the national average. Transportation costs are comparatively lower, with an index of 95, suggesting a 5% savings over the national average. Healthcare costs are also a bit higher, at 115, indicating a 15% increase. Lastly, miscellaneous expenses are 20% higher, with an index of 120. Overall, professionals relocating to Columbia should account for these various cost differences when planning their budgets.

There are 1,161 job openings in Columbia, MD, today!

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

Discover what it's like to work in Columbia, MD. Learn if you need a car, explore popular employers, the job market, and the best neighborhoods to live in.
City
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Columbia, MD
1,161 Job Openings