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What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?

The average salary in Columbia, MO is $55,501 per year.

Columbia, Missouri offers a range of salaries for different types of jobs. The average yearly salary in Columbia stands at 55,501 dollars. This figure varies across different job sectors, reflecting the diverse economic landscape of the area.


The most common salary brackets reflect the industries present in Columbia. These include education, healthcare, and retail. Jobs in these sectors tend to pay between 30,000 and 50,000 dollars per year. Higher-paying industries include technology and finance. Positions here often offer salaries between 80,000 and 150,000 dollars annually. This variety provides job seekers with many options depending on their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

Columbia, Missouri, offers many top-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants lead the list, providing excellent earning potential. These roles demand specialized training, but the rewards can be significant. Other well-paying jobs include positions such as traveling nurses, radiologic technologists, and occupational therapists. Outside sales representatives also find good pay in Columbia. These careers require specific skills and qualifications, making them attractive to those seeking both stability and good income.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $137,569 and Director of Nursing with the lowest at $91,341.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $137,569
    Fill prescriptions at local pharmacies. Provide advice on medications and health advice. Companies like CVS, Walgreens, and local pharmacies offer roles.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $126,155
    Perform medical exams and diagnose illnesses. Provide health education to patients. Works in clinics or hospitals like SSM Health and Mercy.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $122,338
    Assist in surgeries, examine patients, and provide treatment. Often work with doctors in medical offices. Practices include CoxHealth and University of Missouri Health Care.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $114,049
    Provide care in different locations. Travel to new places for temporary assignments. Companies like RNnetwork and Aya Healthcare offer opportunities.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $101,053
    Operate imaging equipment. Capture images of patients' bodies. Work in hospitals and imaging centers such as SSM Health and Imaging Associates.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $97,400
    Sell products to businesses. Build relationships with clients. Companies like Cisco and IBM offer sales positions.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $94,738
    Help patients regain skills after injury. Work with people of all ages. Practices include St. Mary’s Health Center and SSM Health.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $93,015
    Clean teeth and provide oral care advice. Work in dental offices. Practices include Family Dentistry and Columbia Dental Center.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $92,600
    Treat patients with breathing problems. Work in hospitals and clinics. Employers include SSM Health and Boone Hospital Center.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $91,341
    Manage nursing staff and patient care. Work in hospitals or long-term care facilities. Companies like Mercy and University of Missouri Health Care offer roles.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Columbia, MO

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

Columbia, MO offers a variety of high-paying jobs for those without a college degree. A top option includes the role of a concrete finisher, with an average salary of around $53,293. Other well-paying positions include concrete laborers, who earn about $46,727, and landscapers who make approximately $39,668 annually. Additionally, meat cutters can expect to earn around $37,509, while to-go specialists make about $37,490. Housekeeping roles and loader positions provide salaries of $36,131 and $36,000, respectively. Floor technicians and groundskeepers can also find good pay at around $35,653 and $34,991. Lastly, servers enjoy an average salary of about $33,191. These jobs offer solid earning potential for those seeking employment in Columbia.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $53,293 and Server with the lowest at $33,191.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $53,293
    Skilled workers fill and smooth surfaces in construction. They use hand tools and power equipment. Many learn on the job, without a degree.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $46,727
    Laborers assist with concrete projects, handling tools and materials. They often work outdoors. Many find work without a degree.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,668
    Landscaping jobs involve creating and maintaining outdoor areas. Workers often use tools to plant, prune, and irrigate. Many get hired with on-the-job training.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,509
    These workers cut and package meat in stores. They need to follow safety guidelines. Many learn on the job without needing a degree.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $37,490
    Specialists pack and prepare orders for takeout. They work in restaurants and fast food places. Many start with no formal education.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $36,131
    Housekeepers clean rooms in hotels and motels. They make beds and restock supplies. Many get hired quickly without a degree.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Loader
    Average Salary: $36,000
    Loaders move and stack goods for delivery. They often use forklifts. Many start without a degree and learn on the job.
    Find Loader jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $35,653
    Floor techs clean and maintain the floors in stores and businesses. They use machines to sweep and mop. Many get hired without a degree.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,991
    These workers care for outdoor areas on properties. They mow lawns and trim hedges. Many start without a degree.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Server
    Average Salary: $33,191
    Servers take food and drink orders in restaurants. They deliver meals and handle payments. Many start without a degree.
    Find Server jobs in Columbia, MO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

Job seekers in Columbia, MO, will find that several companies offer competitive salaries. Leaf Home leads the pack with an average salary of $109,810, followed closely by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, offering $105,910. These companies provide stable and attractive career opportunities for those seeking top-tier compensation. Additionally, companies like Supplemental Health Care and Fusion Medical Staffing are recognized for their strong financial offerings, with average salaries reaching $103,945 and $98,640, respectively. These figures reflect a commitment to rewarding employees for their skills and dedication. The presence of such high-paying companies makes Columbia an attractive place for job seekers looking to advance their careers and financial well-being.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Leaf Home with the highest at $109,810 and University of Missouri-Columbia with the lowest at $64,042.
  1. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $109,810
    Leaf Home offers services related to residential and commercial landscaping. They provide creative designs and quality work.


  2. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
    Average Salary: $105,910
    The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides healthcare services to veterans. It is a federal government department that values serving those who served.


  3. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $103,945
    Supplemental Health Care specializes in healthcare staffing. They help medical facilities find the right staff to provide top-quality patient care.


  4. Fusion Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $98,640
    Fusion Medical Staffing provides travel healthcare jobs. They help medical professionals find opportunities to work in various locations.


  5. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $85,020
    Medical Solutions offers healthcare staffing services. They help connect healthcare professionals with various job opportunities nationwide.


  6. EquipmentShare
    Average Salary: $77,504
    EquipmentShare is a company that offers equipment rentals and sales. They provide equipment for construction, agriculture, and other industries.


  7. CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia
    Average Salary: $72,468
    CenterPointe Hospital of Columbia provides behavioral healthcare services. They offer a range of treatments for mental health and substance abuse.


  8. Camping World
    Average Salary: $64,690
    Camping World sells recreational vehicles and camping gear. They offer a wide selection of products for outdoor enthusiasts.


  9. University of Missouri Health Care
    Average Salary: $64,246
    University of Missouri Health Care is part of the University of Missouri System. It provides a range of healthcare services and medical education.


  10. University of Missouri-Columbia
    Average Salary: $64,042
    The University of Missouri-Columbia is a public research university. It offers a variety of academic programs and research opportunities.

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

Columbia, MO, offers a cost of living that is 92% of the nationwide average. This means that overall expenses in Columbia are slightly lower than the average in the United States. The lower housing index, at 85%, significantly affects this lower overall cost, while other categories like groceries and utilities hover around the national average.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MO vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 3% lower, healthcare 2% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

Columbia, MO has a cost of living that varies from the nationwide average. Housing in Columbia is notably lower, with an index of 85. This means housing costs about 15% less than the national average. People moving to Columbia can expect to pay less for rent and mortgages.


For other essentials, the cost differences are less dramatic. Groceries in Columbia have an index of 95, meaning they are about 5% less expensive than the nationwide average. Utilities, with an index of 90, are 10% cheaper in Columbia. Transportation is slightly higher, at 97, which is about 3% more than average. Healthcare, with an index of 98, is slightly above the national average, at about 2% higher. Miscellaneous expenses have an index of 92, indicating they are 8% less than the average. These figures show that Columbia offers a mix of affordable and slightly higher costs for various aspects of living compared to the rest of the country.

There are 1,750 job openings in Columbia, MO, today!

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

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City
Overview
Columbia, MO
1,750 Job Openings