Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbia, MO

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?

The average salary in Columbia, MO is $55,106 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $55,106 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $4,592 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $1,060 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbia, MO, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Columbia, MO, offers a range of job opportunities with competitive salaries. The average yearly salary stands at 55,106. This figure reflects the income potential across various industries in the area. Job seekers can find rewarding positions with good earnings.


Different industries have varied salary ranges. The highest paying jobs often fall in sectors like healthcare, education, and technology. An overview of the salary distribution shows a wide spectrum of incomes. For example, the top earners make around 154,000 per year, while those at the lower end earn approximately 28,000. This variety supports diverse career goals and financial needs. Job seekers can find roles that match their qualifications and aspirations.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

Job seekers in Columbia, MO, have several high-paying career options to explore. Pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants lead the list with strong average salaries. These professionals enjoy not only lucrative incomes but also rewarding careers that make a significant impact on people's lives. Attorneys, outside sales representatives, and radiologic technologists also offer competitive pay in Columbia. Each role provides stability and growth potential, attracting many job seekers. Intensive care unit registered nurses, occupational therapists, and registered nurses round out the top paying jobs with solid average salaries. These roles not only promise financial rewards but also the chance to help others and grow professionally.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $137,185 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $91,987.

  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $137,185
    Pharmacists ensure patients get the right medicine and dosage. Working at local pharmacies, they also offer health advice. Companies like CVS and Walgreens offer great opportunities.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $125,979
    Nurse Practitioners provide primary and specialty care. They diagnose, treat, and manage patients' health. Many work in hospitals and clinics, including SSM Health.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $119,463
    Physician Assistants assist doctors in exams, treatments, and surgeries. They work in a variety of medical settings, such as clinics and hospitals. Practices like MU Health Care hire many PAs.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $108,013
    Traveling Nurses move from one location to another. They often work in hospitals and clinics across the country. Companies like Aya Healthcare offer great assignments.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Attorney
    Average Salary: $101,541
    Attorneys represent clients in legal matters. They work in law firms and corporate settings. In the city, firms like Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner seek skilled attorneys.
    Find Attorney jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $97,542
    Outside Sales Representatives sell products directly to consumers. They visit businesses to showcase products. Companies like Bosch Rexroth and Kohler Co. offer exciting sales roles.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $96,488
    Radiologic Technologists operate imaging equipment. They ensure patients get accurate diagnostic images. Positions are available in medical facilities like the University of Missouri Health System.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $92,790
    ICU Registered Nurses care for critically ill patients. They work in fast-paced environments. Opportunities exist at hospitals like Capital Region Medical Center.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $92,377
    Occupational Therapists help patients improve their ability to perform daily tasks. They work in rehab centers and schools. Facilities like SSM Health Rehabilitation Hospital offer rewarding positions.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $91,987
    Registered Nurses provide care to patients in various settings. They monitor patients, administer treatments, and collaborate with doctors. Hospitals such as MU Health Care have many RN openings.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO

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

In Columbia, MO, there are several high-paying jobs that do not need a college degree. Concrete Finishers lead the list with an average salary of over $56,000. This job involves smoothing and finishing concrete for buildings and roads. Other well-paying roles include Concrete Laborers and Lawn Care Technicians. Concrete Laborers earn around $45,000, working on construction sites to help prepare concrete. Lawn Care Technicians earn around $40,000, maintaining parks and private properties. These jobs offer good pay and are accessible without a degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $56,212 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $33,682.

  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $56,212
    This role involves smoothing and finishing concrete in new buildings and roads. It requires working outdoors and sometimes in tough conditions. Companies in this industry often offer good benefits.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $44,966
    Laborers help mix and pour concrete and assist in finishing it. The job involves physical labor and teamwork. Workers often gain valuable experience in construction sites.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $39,363
    This job involves mowing, trimming, and maintaining lawns for residential and commercial properties. It’s a seasonal job that’s great for those who enjoy working outdoors. Companies often provide tools and training.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,614
    Meat cutters slice and package meat in grocery stores. This role requires attention to detail and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment. Many local grocery stores offer this opportunity.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,276
    Landscapers plant, prune, and maintain the grounds of residential and commercial properties. The job combines physical labor with creativity. Seasonal work is common, but it can lead to steady employment.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $36,101
    These workers prepare and package food for customers to take away. It’s a key role in the fast-food industry. It involves quick service and customer interaction, making it a valuable job for those who enjoy working with people.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $34,805
    Floor techs clean and maintain floors in various settings like offices, schools, and hospitals. The job involves physical labor and attention to detail. Many local businesses provide this opportunity.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $34,794
    Beauty consultants sell and recommend beauty products. This role involves interacting with customers and understanding their needs. It's a great job for those who enjoy the beauty industry and sales.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $34,175
    Servers work in restaurants, taking orders and serving food and drinks. It’s a dynamic job that involves excellent customer service. Experience in this role can lead to promotions and better opportunities.
    Find Server jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $33,682
    Groundskeepers maintain the grounds of parks, schools, and other public spaces. This role involves outdoor work and sometimes operates machinery. It’s a seasonal job but can lead to regular employment.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

Job seekers looking for top-paying companies in Columbia, MO, have several strong options to consider. Among them, Favorite Healthcare Staffing leads with an impressive average salary of $125,755. Nomad Health follows closely with an average salary of $115,798. These companies offer competitive compensation, making them attractive for skilled professionals. Additionally, Leaf Home, Supplemental Health Care, and FUSION Medical Staffing also provide attractive salaries, ranging from $102,401 to $98,021 annually. These figures reflect a commitment to rewarding employees well. Other notable companies like Medical Solutions and EquipmentShare offer salaries around $81,304 and $72,449, respectively. These opportunities highlight Columbia’s strong job market for those seeking good pay and benefits.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Favorite Healthcare Staffing with the highest at $125,755 and University of Missouri with the lowest at $62,711.

  1. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $125,755
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing is a leading provider of travel nursing, therapy, allied, locum tenens, and permanent staffing. It offers competitive pay and benefits.


  2. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $115,798
    Nomad Health connects healthcare professionals with temporary jobs in their field. They offer high salaries and flexible work arrangements.


  3. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $103,836
    Leaf Home specializes in home health and hospice care. They provide quality care and offer attractive compensation packages.


  4. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $102,401
    Supplemental Health Care focuses on placing healthcare professionals in temporary positions. They offer good salaries and excellent benefits.


  5. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $98,021
    FUSION Medical Staffing provides travel nursing and allied health staffing services. They offer competitive pay and a supportive work environment.


  6. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $81,304
    Medical Solutions is a staffing agency that connects healthcare professionals with job opportunities. They provide good salaries and benefits.


  7. EquipmentShare
    Average Salary: $72,449
    EquipmentShare is a company that helps businesses share equipment. They offer stable jobs with decent pay.


  8. CenterPointe Hospital Columbia
    Average Salary: $69,982
    CenterPointe Hospital Columbia offers mental health and addiction treatment services. They provide jobs with competitive salaries.


  9. Zimmer Communications
    Average Salary: $65,858
    Zimmer Communications provides technology solutions. They offer jobs with good pay and benefits.


  10. University of Missouri
    Average Salary: $62,711
    The University of Missouri offers a range of educational and research opportunities. It provides jobs with good salaries and benefits.

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

Columbia, MO, showcases a cost of living index that is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. Housing costs in Columbia are 13% lower, while groceries remain close to the national average at 95%. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous expenses also fall just short of the 100 mark, making Columbia a relatively affordable choice for many.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MO vs. Nationwide: housing 13% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 10% lower, healthcare 3% lower, miscellaneous 8% lower.

The cost of living index in Columbia, MO, shows that housing costs are lower than the nationwide average. Housing makes up 87% of the cost of living index in Columbia, compared to 100% for the nation. This means that housing in Columbia is about 13% cheaper than the national average. For job seekers considering this area, this could mean more disposable income or a chance to live in a larger home for the same budget.


When looking at other expenses, groceries in Columbia also offer some savings. The groceries index stands at 95%, which is 5% below the national average. This small difference can add up, helping residents save money over time. Utilities, transportation, healthcare, and miscellaneous costs are also close to the national average, with slight variations. Utilities are at 90%, transportation at 90%, healthcare at 97%, and miscellaneous at 92%. These figures indicate that most daily expenses in Columbia are nearly on par with the national average, making it a balanced option for those seeking a manageable cost of living.

There are 2,268 job openings in Columbia, MO, today!

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Columbia, MO
2,268 Job Openings

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