Salaries in Columbia, MD

Columbia, MD, offers a variety of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary in the area is $72,388. This figure reflects the diverse economic landscape, providing a good standard of living for many residents. Salaries range from $31,250 to $200,000, depending on the industry and position.

Some of the top-paying industries in Columbia include:

• Information Technology: $107,955
• Healthcare: $92,614
• Finance: $77,273
• Education: $61,932
• Retail: $46,591

These figures show that skilled professionals in high-demand fields can expect to earn more. Job seekers in Columbia can find rewarding positions with good compensation.

1. Systems Engineer
   Average Salary: $148,784
   This role involves designing and implementing IT systems. Companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin offer opportunities. They focus on improving efficiency and security.
   Find Systems Engineer jobs in Columbia, MD
   

   
   

2. Cloud Engineer
   Average Salary: $145,391
   Cloud engineers manage cloud services. Firms such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Services provide roles. They ensure data is secure and accessible.
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3. DevOps Engineer
   Average Salary: $143,744
   DevOps engineers work on software development and IT operations. Companies like Google and Oracle offer positions. They aim to improve collaboration and speed.
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4. Software Engineer
   Average Salary: $143,240
   Software engineers create and test software. Firms such as Microsoft and Oracle offer roles. They focus on developing applications and systems.
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5. Information Security Engineer
   Average Salary: $141,741
   This role involves protecting data and systems. Companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin offer positions. They work to prevent cyber threats and breaches.
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6. Nurse Practitioner
   Average Salary: $130,834
   Nurse practitioners provide primary and specialty care. Hospitals like Johns Hopkins and Kaiser Permanente offer roles. They diagnose and treat patients.
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7. Pharmacist
   Average Salary: $128,707
   Pharmacists dispense medications and advise patients. CVS and Walgreens offer positions. They ensure safe and effective use of medicines.
   Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MD
   

   
   

8. Systems Administrator
   Average Salary: $124,985
   Systems administrators manage computer systems. Companies like IBM and Lockheed Martin offer roles. They ensure systems run smoothly and securely.
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9. Engineer
   Average Salary: $124,923
   Engineers design and develop products and systems. Firms such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman offer positions. They focus on innovation and problem-solving.
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10. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $116,830
    Dental hygienists clean teeth and provide oral care. Dental practices like Aspen Dental offer roles. They help patients maintain good oral health.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Columbia, MD
    

1. Canvasser
   Average Salary: $63,006
   This role involves visiting homes and businesses to gather information. It is a great way to meet people and learn about the community. Local organizations and political campaigns often need canvassers.
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2. Restaurant Manager
   Average Salary: $48,162
   Manage daily operations at a local eatery. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Many restaurants in the area offer training and growth opportunities.
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3. Groundskeeper
   Average Salary: $39,132
   Maintain the beauty of parks and properties. This job involves landscaping, gardening, and general upkeep. Local government and private companies often need skilled groundskeepers.
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4. Server
   Average Salary: $37,148
   Serve food and drinks to customers in a friendly manner. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many restaurants and cafes in the area offer flexible hours.
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5. To Go Specialist
   Average Salary: $36,462
   Prepare and package food for customers to take away. This job involves working in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Many local eateries and cafes offer this position with opportunities for growth.
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6. Housekeeping
   Average Salary: $35,430
   Clean and maintain guest rooms and public areas in hotels. This role requires attention to detail and a strong work ethic. Many hotels offer training and opportunities for advancement.
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7. Line Cook
   Average Salary: $34,988
   Prepare ingredients and cook food in a fast-paced kitchen. This job requires strong culinary skills and the ability to work well under pressure. Many local restaurants offer this position with opportunities for growth.
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8. Server Assistant
   Average Salary: $34,090
   Help servers with tasks such as setting tables and clearing dishes. This role requires good communication skills and the ability to work in a team. Many restaurants offer flexible hours and opportunities for advancement.
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9. Kitchen Team Member
   Average Salary: $33,218
   Assist in food preparation and kitchen tasks. This job requires strong teamwork skills and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many local eateries offer this position with opportunities for growth.
   Find Kitchen Team Member jobs in Columbia, MD
   

   
   

10. Barista
    Average Salary: $32,554
    Prepare and serve coffee and other beverages. This role requires strong customer service skills and attention to detail. Many local cafes offer this position with opportunities for growth.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbia, MD
    

1. Peraton
   Average Salary: $159,789
   Peraton is a leading defense and technology company with a focus on national security. They offer a range of services including cybersecurity, engineering, and intelligence.
   

   
   

2. Leidos
   Average Salary: $147,672
   Leidos is a global technology, engineering, and science solutions company. They work with government agencies to improve national security and health.
   

   
   

3. Merkle, Inc.
   Average Salary: $139,524
   Merkle, Inc. is a performance marketing agency that provides data-driven digital marketing services. They help companies grow their businesses through effective marketing strategies.
   

   
   

4. BigBear.ai
   Average Salary: $137,030
   BigBear.ai is a technology company that specializes in artificial intelligence and machine learning. They provide advanced analytics and data solutions to various industries.
   

   
   

5. HII
   Average Salary: $133,963
   HII, or Huntington Ingalls Industries, is a shipbuilding company. They build and maintain ships for the U.S. Navy and other government agencies.
   

   
   

6. CyberCoders
   Average Salary: $130,703
   CyberCoders is a technology staffing firm. They connect tech companies with skilled professionals in areas like software development and cybersecurity.
   

   
   

7. Serco Group
   Average Salary: $130,045
   Serco Group is a global services company. They provide services in areas such as defense, transportation, and healthcare.
   

   
   

8. Piper Companies
   Average Salary: $112,641
   Piper Companies is a real estate development firm. They focus on building residential and commercial properties.
   

   
   

9. Tenable
   Average Salary: $111,713
   Tenable is a cybersecurity company. They offer solutions to help organizations identify and address security vulnerabilities.
   

   
   

10. Enterprise Community Partners
    Average Salary: $100,881
    Enterprise Community Partners is a nonprofit organization. They work to create affordable housing and revitalize communities.
    

The cost of living in Columbia, MD, shows some differences when compared to the nationwide average. Housing costs in Columbia are 23% higher than the national average, with an index of 123. This means that housing expenses, such as rent or mortgage payments, are significantly more expensive in Columbia. Groceries also cost more, with an index of 105, which is 5% above the national average. This indicates that buying food and household supplies is slightly pricier in Columbia.

Transportation costs in Columbia are 12% higher than the national average, with an index of 112. This suggests that commuting and other transportation-related expenses are more costly in Columbia. Healthcare costs are also 15% above the average, with an index of 115, meaning medical services and health insurance can be more expensive here. Utilities, however, are slightly below the national average, at 98, which is a 2% decrease. Miscellaneous costs, with an index of 107, are 7% higher than the national average. Overall, Columbia's cost of living is higher in several key areas compared to the nationwide average.