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What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?

The average salary in Columbia, MO is $54,920 per year.

Columbia, MO, offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary in the area is $54,920. This figure provides a good benchmark for understanding the earning potential across different sectors. Salaries can vary widely based on the industry and the specific role.


Here are some common salary ranges for various industries in Columbia, MO:

  • Education and Health Services: $27,500
  • Retail Trade: $39,182
  • Professional and Business Services: $50,864
  • Manufacturing: $62,545
  • Information Services: $74,227
  • Finance and Insurance: $85,909
  • Leisure and Hospitality: $97,591
  • Government: $109,273
  • Construction: $120,955
  • Other Services: $132,636
  • Mining: $144,318
  • Utilities: $156,000
These figures show that certain industries offer higher salaries, while others provide more modest earnings. Job seekers can use this information to target roles that match their career goals and financial needs.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

Columbia, Missouri, offers several high-paying job opportunities for skilled professionals. Pharmacists lead the way with an average salary of $135,374. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants also earn strong incomes, with average salaries of $117,528 and $111,219, respectively. These positions require specialized training but offer rewarding careers with competitive pay. Other top-paying jobs include Traveling Nurses, who earn an average of $106,107, and Attorneys, with an average salary of $102,384. These roles demand significant education and experience but provide excellent financial rewards. Outside Sales Representatives, Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses, and Directors of Nursing also offer high salaries, ranging from $92,308 to $89,891. These jobs require a mix of skills and dedication, making them attractive to many job seekers.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $135,374 and Occupational Therapist with the lowest at $89,654.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $135,374
    Pharmacists work in local pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. They ensure patients receive the right medications and dosages. They also provide advice on over-the-counter drugs and health products.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $117,528
    Nurse Practitioners diagnose and treat patients. They work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices. They often handle routine check-ups and manage chronic conditions.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $111,219
    Physician Assistants work under the supervision of doctors. They see patients, perform exams, and diagnose illnesses. They often work in hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $106,107
    Traveling Nurses work in various locations. They provide care in hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare settings. They often work on short-term assignments.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Attorney
    Average Salary: $102,384
    Attorneys represent clients in legal matters. They work in law firms, corporate offices, and government agencies. They handle cases ranging from criminal to civil law.
    Find Attorney jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $93,643
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products to businesses. They travel to meet clients and build relationships. They often work for companies selling technology, medical supplies, or industrial equipment.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $92,308
    Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurses care for critically ill patients. They work in hospitals and monitor vital signs. They provide life-saving treatments and support to patients and families.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Director of Nursing
    Average Salary: $89,891
    Directors of Nursing oversee nursing staff in hospitals and clinics. They manage patient care and ensure staff follow protocols. They work closely with doctors and other healthcare professionals.
    Find Director of Nursing jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $89,708
    Registered Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and other settings. They administer medications, monitor vital signs, and assist doctors. They work in various specialties, including pediatrics and oncology.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $89,654
    Occupational Therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and schools. They design treatment plans to improve patients' daily living skills.
    Find Occupational 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 college degree. Concrete finishers lead the way with an average salary of $53,859. Other positions like restaurant managers and concrete laborers also provide strong earnings, with salaries around $50,924 and $45,428, respectively. These roles offer good opportunities for those seeking well-paying jobs without a degree. Landscapers, lawn care technicians, and meat cutters also provide competitive wages. Beauty consultants and To Go specialists can earn around $35,000, while floor techs and groundskeepers make about $34,000. These jobs provide a chance to start earning quickly and build a solid career.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $53,859 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $34,259.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $53,859
    This job involves smoothing and finishing concrete surfaces. Workers use tools to shape and level the concrete. Companies like local construction firms and general contractors offer these positions.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Restaurant Manager
    Average Salary: $50,924
    Manage daily operations at a restaurant. Oversee staff, handle customer service, and ensure smooth service. Opportunities exist with local eateries and chain restaurants.
    Find Restaurant Manager jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $45,428
    Help with concrete projects by mixing and pouring concrete. Assist skilled workers in construction sites. Local construction companies often hire for these roles.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $40,464
    Maintain and beautify outdoor spaces. Tasks include planting, trimming, and landscaping. Work with landscaping companies and local businesses.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $37,804
    Maintain lawns by mowing, trimming, and fertilizing. Work for landscaping services or local property management companies. Ensure lawns look neat and healthy.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,663
    Cut and package meat for sale. Work in grocery stores and butcher shops. Follow safety and hygiene standards to ensure quality products.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $35,053
    Help clients choose beauty products. Advise on skincare and makeup. Work in retail stores like beauty supply shops or department stores.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $35,049
    Prepare and package food for takeout orders. Work in fast-food restaurants or cafes. Ensure orders are accurate and ready on time.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $34,272
    Maintain clean and safe floors in commercial settings. Sweep, mop, and clean spills. Work in offices, retail stores, or warehouses.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $34,259
    Maintain outdoor areas by mowing, trimming, and cleaning. Work in parks, schools, or private properties. Ensure grounds are well-kept and safe.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

Job seekers in Columbia, MO, can find top-paying companies with competitive salaries. Favorite Healthcare Staffing leads with an average salary of $117,636, followed closely by Nomad Health at $115,256. These companies offer attractive compensation packages, making them desirable employers in the area. Other notable companies include PRN Healthcare, Supplemental Health Care, and Leaf Home, all offering average salaries above $97,000. The University of Missouri School of Medicine and Medical Solutions also provide good salaries, with averages around $86,000 and $80,000, respectively. These companies present excellent opportunities for professionals seeking both rewarding work and strong financial benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Favorite Healthcare Staffing with the highest at $117,636 and CenterPointe Hospital Columbia with the lowest at $66,144.
  1. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $117,636
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers top-notch healthcare staffing solutions. They provide excellent benefits and competitive salaries.


  2. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $115,256
    Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They focus on providing high-paying positions.


  3. PRN Healthcare
    Average Salary: $103,071
    PRN Healthcare specializes in travel nursing and allied health jobs. They offer attractive salaries and benefits.


  4. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $102,460
    Supplemental Health Care provides staffing services for healthcare professionals. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  5. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $99,723
    Leaf Home offers home healthcare services. They provide good salaries and a supportive work environment.


  6. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $97,382
    FUSION Medical Staffing connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  7. University of Missouri School of Medicine
    Average Salary: $85,772
    The University of Missouri School of Medicine offers a range of medical positions. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  8. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $79,845
    Medical Solutions provides staffing services for healthcare professionals. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  9. EquipmentShare
    Average Salary: $67,736
    EquipmentShare offers equipment rental and leasing services. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  10. CenterPointe Hospital Columbia
    Average Salary: $66,144
    CenterPointe Hospital Columbia provides mental health and addiction treatment services. They offer competitive pay and benefits.

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

Columbia, MO, offers a cost of living that is slightly lower than the nationwide average. The overall cost of living index for Columbia stands at 92, which is 8% below the national benchmark of 100. This makes housing, groceries, and utilities more affordable for residents and job seekers in Columbia compared to the average American city. Specifically, housing costs in Columbia are 13% lower than the national average, with an index of 87. Groceries and utilities also show modest savings, with indices of 95 and 90, respectively. While healthcare costs are slightly higher at 97, the overall lower cost of living makes Columbia an attractive option for those seeking a balance between affordability and quality of life.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MO vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 7% lower.

The cost of living in Columbia, Missouri, offers a favorable comparison to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Housing costs in Columbia stand at 87, indicating that residents can expect to pay about 13% less than the national average for housing. This lower housing index can be a significant advantage for those looking to manage their expenses more effectively.


Additionally, the grocery cost index in Columbia is 95, which is 5% less than the national average. This means that everyday food expenses are slightly lower than what one might find in other parts of the country. Utilities in Columbia are priced at 90, which is 10% below the national average. This reduction in utility costs can further contribute to a more affordable living situation. Transportation costs are at 92, which is 8% below the average, making commuting and other travel expenses more manageable. Healthcare costs in Columbia are slightly higher, at 97, which is 3% above the national average. However, miscellaneous costs are at 93, which is 7% below the average, offering some relief in other areas of spending. Overall, the cost of living in Columbia, Missouri, presents a balanced and often more affordable lifestyle compared to the national average.

There are 2,319 job openings in Columbia, MO, today!

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City
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Columbia, MO
2,319 Job Openings