Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbia, MO

Updated on Jul 10, 2026
City
Salary

What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?

The average salary in Columbia, MO is $55,331 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $55,331 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $4,611 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $1,064 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $27 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Columbia, MO, offers a range of salaries across different industries. The average yearly salary for jobs in Columbia stands at about $55,331. This average helps potential employees understand what they might expect to earn in various fields.

Jobs with higher demand tend to offer better pay. For example, those in the top salary tier can earn over $100,000 annually. Some key industries that provide higher-than-average salaries include healthcare, education, and technology. Companies in these sectors often offer competitive wages to attract skilled workers.

Here are some salary brackets you can expect:

  • Healthcare: $71,473 and above
  • Education: $60,855 and above
  • Technology: $50,236 and above
  • Business: $39,618 and above
  • Retail: $29,000 and above

These figures show that Columbia has many opportunities for job seekers looking to earn a good salary.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

Columbia, MO, offers a range of top-paying jobs that can appeal to various career paths. Pharmacists lead the list with an average salary of $136,736. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants follow closely, earning $123,281 and $119,485, respectively. These roles offer attractive compensation packages and provide essential healthcare services to the community. Traveling Nurses and Radiologic Technologists also rank high, with average salaries of $106,018 and $101,387. These jobs require specialized skills but offer the benefit of flexibility and varied work environments. Outside Sales Representatives and Attorneys secure positions with salaries around $99,164 and $97,598. These roles demand strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, providing lucrative opportunities for those who excel in them. Occupational Therapists, Dental Hygienists, and Respiratory Therapists round out the list of top-paying jobs in Columbia, each offering competitive salaries and the chance to make a meaningful impact on patient care.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $136,736 and Respiratory Therapist with the lowest at $90,691.

  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,736
    Help customers with prescriptions. Work in pharmacies and clinics. Top employers include Walgreens and CVS.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $123,281
    Provide primary and specialty care. Work in clinics and hospitals. Employers include SSM Health and MU Health Care.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $119,485
    Assist doctors in various medical procedures. Work in clinics and hospitals. Major employers include SSM Health and MU Health Care.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $106,018
    Travel to different locations to provide care. Work in hospitals and clinics. Top employers include HCA Healthcare and HealthTrust Workforce Solutions.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $101,387
    Operate imaging equipment. Work in hospitals and imaging centers. Major employers include SSM Health and MU Health Care.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $99,164
    Sell products to businesses. Work in offices and on-site. Key employers include Grainger and Arrow Electronics.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Attorney
    Average Salary: $97,598
    Advise clients on legal matters. Work in law firms and corporations. Major law firms include Husch Blackwell and Armstrong Teasdale.
    Find Attorney jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $92,837
    Help patients recover from injuries. Work in rehabilitation centers and hospitals. Top employers include SSM Health and MU Health Care.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Dental Hygienist
    Average Salary: $91,581
    Clean teeth and provide oral care. Work in dental offices. Key employers include Smile Brands and Aspen Dental.
    Find Dental Hygienist jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Respiratory Therapist
    Average Salary: $90,691
    Treat patients with breathing problems. Work in hospitals and clinics. Major employers include SSM Health and MU Health Care.
    Find Respiratory Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO

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

Columbia, MO offers several high-paying jobs that do not require a degree. Leading roles include Concrete Finishers who can earn an average of $57,039 per year. Another option is Concrete Laborers, with an average salary of $46,022 annually. Job seekers may also find lucrative opportunities in roles like Landscapers, Kitchen Managers, and Meat Cutters. Landscapers can earn around $39,549 per year, while Kitchen Managers and Meat Cutters average around $38,000 and $37,000, respectively. These positions provide good pay and are accessible without a formal degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $57,039 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $33,864.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $57,039
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers operate machines like trowels and brooms. Opportunities with local construction firms and contractors abound in this bustling town.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $46,022
    Concrete laborers assist skilled workers by mixing concrete and setting forms. The job demands physical strength and teamwork. Companies in Columbia offer varied experiences for those willing to learn.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $39,549
    Landscapers maintain parks, gardens, and outdoor areas. They plant, prune, and ensure everything looks neat and beautiful. Working with local landscaping services provides diverse projects.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Kitchen Manager
    Average Salary: $38,390
    Kitchen managers oversee kitchen operations. They schedule staff, ensure food quality, and manage inventory. Positions in restaurants and cafes offer a chance to lead a busy kitchen.
    Find Kitchen Manager jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,662
    Meat cutters slice and package meats for sale. They must follow safety and hygiene standards. Opportunities with local grocery stores provide a steady job with good earning potential.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $36,694
    To Go specialists prepare orders for customers to take away. They handle food packaging and ensure orders are correct. Fast-food and casual dining restaurants offer these roles with potential for growth.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $35,083
    Floor techs clean and maintain the dining area. They sweep, mop, and sanitize surfaces. Positions in busy eateries and restaurants ensure clean and welcoming spaces for customers.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $34,994
    Beauty consultants help customers choose products. They offer advice on makeup and skincare. Opportunities with local beauty stores provide a chance to share expertise and enjoy a creative environment.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $34,433
    Housekeeping staff clean and tidy hotel rooms. They change linens, stock supplies, and ensure a pleasant stay for guests. Working in hotels and motels offers a stable job with good pay.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $33,864
    Groundskeepers maintain the outdoor areas of properties. They mow lawns, trim hedges, and ensure the grounds are well-kept. Opportunities with schools and parks provide varied and rewarding work.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

Columbia, MO, has several companies known for offering competitive salaries to their employees. Favorite Healthcare Staffing leads with an average salary of $128,588, making it one of the top choices for job seekers. Other notable employers include Leaf Home and Supplemental Health Care, with average salaries of $109,881 and $105,072, respectively. Additionally, FUSION Medical Staffing, TMC, and Medical Solutions offer attractive compensation packages, with average salaries ranging from $98,304 to $77,672. These companies provide good earning potential and career growth opportunities for professionals.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Favorite Healthcare Staffing with the highest at $128,588 and Boone Health with the lowest at $62,853.

  1. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $128,588
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing is a top choice for healthcare professionals. They offer competitive pay, benefits, and support. Their team works hard to match the right people with the right jobs.


  2. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $109,881
    Leaf Home is known for its welcoming environment and supportive team. They offer attractive salaries and help their employees grow their careers.


  3. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $105,072
    Supplemental Health Care provides excellent career opportunities in healthcare. They focus on helping their staff find fulfilling jobs with good pay.


  4. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $98,304
    FUSION Medical Staffing offers a wide range of positions with good pay. They are dedicated to matching talent with the right opportunities.


  5. TMC
    Average Salary: $91,819
    TMC offers rewarding jobs with a good salary. They are known for their commitment to their employees' success.


  6. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $77,672
    Medical Solutions provides excellent opportunities for healthcare professionals. They focus on matching the right people with the right jobs.


  7. EquipmentShare
    Average Salary: $74,183
    EquipmentShare offers competitive pay in the equipment rental industry. They provide a supportive work environment and great opportunities for growth.


  8. CenterPointe Hospital Columbia
    Average Salary: $69,138
    CenterPointe Hospital Columbia offers rewarding jobs in healthcare. They provide a supportive and caring environment for their employees.


  9. University of Missouri
    Average Salary: $63,509
    The University of Missouri provides a variety of job opportunities. They offer good salaries and support for career growth.


  10. Boone Health
    Average Salary: $62,853
    Boone Health offers a range of positions with competitive pay. They focus on providing quality care and a supportive work environment.

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

Columbia, MO, presents a cost of living that is slightly below the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index in Columbia stands at 92, reflecting a modest 2% decrease compared to the average index of 100. This lower cost particularly benefits job seekers in areas such as housing, utilities, and transportation, which are all priced at 85, 90, and 90, respectively. While groceries and healthcare in Columbia remain close to the national average, miscellaneous costs also hover around 90. This makes Columbia an attractive option for those looking to minimize living expenses without sacrificing essential services.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MO vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 0% lower, miscellaneous 10% lower.

The cost of living in Columbia, MO, shows a varied picture when compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia stand at 85, meaning residents can expect to pay 15% less than the national average for housing expenses. This provides a significant advantage for those seeking affordable living arrangements, making Columbia a potentially attractive option for individuals and families looking to reduce their housing costs.


In other areas, the cost of living remains close to the national average. Groceries in Columbia cost 95, only 5% below the national average. Utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses also track closely with the nationwide average, each at 90. This balance suggests that while housing is notably cheaper, other living expenses in Columbia are fairly in line with what one might find across the country. Healthcare costs are identical to the national average, standing at 100. This comprehensive data helps potential residents understand where they might save or spend more when considering a move to Columbia, MO.

There are 1,620 job openings in Columbia, MO, today!

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Columbia, MO
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