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What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?

The average salary in Columbia, MO is $55,068 per year.

Columbia, MO offers a range of salary opportunities for job seekers. The average yearly salary in Columbia is $55,068. This figure represents the median income, which means half of the people earn more and half earn less. Salaries vary based on industry and position, providing diverse options for different career paths.


Some of the highest-paying jobs in Columbia include roles in healthcare, education, and technology. For example, those in healthcare can earn up to $132,318 annually, while those in education might make around $74,364 yearly. Technology jobs offer salaries starting at $85,955 and can go as high as $155,500. This variety allows job seekers to find positions that match their skills and career goals.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

Job seekers in Columbia, Missouri, will find excellent opportunities in several high-paying professions. Pharmacists earn a top salary, making it a lucrative career choice. Other well-paid jobs include nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and traveling nurses, all offering competitive wages. Professionals in legal and sales fields also secure strong earnings in Columbia. Attorneys and outside sales representatives enjoy substantial salaries. Health care roles, such as radiologic technologists and intensive care unit registered nurses, also pay well. Occupational therapists and registered nurses complete the list of top-paying jobs in the area. These careers provide both financial rewards and opportunities for personal fulfillment.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Pharmacist with the highest at $136,350 and Registered Nurse with the lowest at $91,449.
  1. Pharmacist
    Average Salary: $136,350
    In this role, a pharmacist fills prescriptions and ensures medications are safe and effective. They work in local pharmacies like Walmart and CVS. Pharmacists also provide advice to patients on the proper use of medications.
    Find Pharmacist jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Nurse Practitioner
    Average Salary: $124,931
    A Nurse Practitioner provides primary and specialty care to patients. They work in hospitals and clinics such as SSM Health. They diagnose and treat illnesses, prescribe medications, and educate patients on health management.
    Find Nurse Practitioner jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Physician Assistant
    Average Salary: $119,313
    As a Physician Assistant, you work alongside doctors in various medical settings. These include local hospitals and health clinics. They conduct exams, diagnose, and treat injuries and illnesses. They also assist in surgery.
    Find Physician Assistant jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Traveling Nurse
    Average Salary: $107,148
    Traveling nurses work in different healthcare facilities, often in need of temporary staff. They provide patient care in various settings. Hospitals like Mercy and local clinics often require their services. They adapt to new environments quickly.
    Find Traveling Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Attorney
    Average Salary: $103,298
    An attorney provides legal advice and representation. They work in law firms and corporate legal departments. Attorneys handle a variety of cases, from civil to criminal matters. They also represent clients in court.
    Find Attorney jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. Outside Sales Representative
    Average Salary: $98,128
    This role involves selling products or services to businesses. They visit potential clients and build relationships. They work for companies like IBM and local businesses. They also negotiate contracts and meet sales targets.
    Find Outside Sales Representative jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Radiologic Technologist
    Average Salary: $93,843
    Radiologic Technologists operate imaging equipment. They work in hospitals and diagnostic labs. They take X-rays, MRIs, and other scans to help diagnose medical conditions. They ensure patients are comfortable and safe during procedures.
    Find Radiologic Technologist jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $92,802
    These nurses care for critically ill patients. They work in the ICU at hospitals like University Hospital. They monitor patients, administer medications, and perform life-saving procedures. Their skills are vital in high-stress situations.
    Find Intensive Care Unit Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Occupational Therapist
    Average Salary: $92,316
    Occupational Therapists help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. They work in rehabilitation centers and schools. They develop treatment plans and help patients regain their independence. They also use various techniques to improve patients' quality of life.
    Find Occupational Therapist jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $91,449
    Registered Nurses provide patient care in various settings. They work in hospitals, clinics, and home healthcare. They monitor patients, administer medications, and collaborate with other healthcare providers. Their role is essential in ensuring patient well-being.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbia, MO

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

Opportunities abound for those seeking well-paying jobs in Columbia, MO, without a college degree. A variety of roles offer competitive salaries, including concrete finishers and lawn care technicians. These positions provide a chance to earn a good income while gaining valuable work experience. In Columbia, several high-paying jobs do not require a degree. Concrete finishers, for example, can expect to earn over $54,000 annually. Lawn care technicians and concrete laborers also offer strong earnings, with salaries around $40,000 and $39,000, respectively. These roles provide stability and the potential for career advancement.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbia, MO without a degree, highlighting Concrete Finisher with the highest at $54,762 and Groundskeeper with the lowest at $33,838.
  1. Concrete Finisher
    Average Salary: $54,762
    Work with concrete in various construction projects. Learn from experienced professionals in local construction firms. This job involves both physical labor and skill development.
    Find Concrete Finisher jobs in Columbia, MO


  2. Concrete Laborer
    Average Salary: $45,440
    Assist in pouring and finishing concrete. Perform tasks under the guidance of skilled tradesmen. Local construction companies offer training and growth opportunities.
    Find Concrete Laborer jobs in Columbia, MO


  3. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $39,935
    Maintain lawns and gardens for residential and commercial clients. Gain experience with landscaping tools and techniques. Many local landscaping companies offer seasonal employment.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbia, MO


  4. Meat Cutter
    Average Salary: $37,900
    Cut and package meat for grocery stores. Learn from experienced butchers. Work in grocery stores to supply local communities with fresh meat.
    Find Meat Cutter jobs in Columbia, MO


  5. Landscaper
    Average Salary: $37,161
    Design and maintain outdoor spaces. Work with clients to create beautiful landscapes. Local landscaping companies provide hands-on training and job opportunities.
    Find Landscaper jobs in Columbia, MO


  6. To Go Specialist
    Average Salary: $35,485
    Pack and prepare orders for customers. Work in fast-paced environments to meet demand. Gain experience in customer service and order management at local restaurants.
    Find To Go Specialist jobs in Columbia, MO


  7. Beauty Consultant
    Average Salary: $34,932
    Provide beauty advice and product recommendations. Work in retail stores to help customers achieve their beauty goals. Gain experience in sales and customer interaction.
    Find Beauty Consultant jobs in Columbia, MO


  8. Floor Tech
    Average Salary: $34,433
    Install and maintain flooring in residential and commercial buildings. Work with skilled craftsmen. Gain experience in carpentry and home improvement projects.
    Find Floor Tech jobs in Columbia, MO


  9. Server
    Average Salary: $34,126
    Take orders and serve food to customers in restaurants. Develop strong communication skills. Learn the ins and outs of customer service in a dynamic environment.
    Find Server jobs in Columbia, MO


  10. Groundskeeper
    Average Salary: $33,838
    Maintain grounds and facilities. Work outdoors in various weather conditions. Gain experience in property maintenance and landscaping.
    Find Groundskeeper jobs in Columbia, MO

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

Columbia, MO, offers a variety of companies with competitive salaries. Favorite Healthcare Staffing leads the pack with an impressive average salary of $125,039. Other notable companies include Nomad Health, offering $115,798, and Supplemental Health Care with $102,402. These figures suggest that job seekers in Columbia can expect attractive pay from healthcare staffing firms. Companies like Leaf Home and FUSION Medical Staffing also provide solid salaries, making Columbia a great place to look for well-paying job opportunities in the healthcare sector.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbia, MO, highlighting Favorite Healthcare Staffing with the highest at $125,039 and Landmark Hospitals with the lowest at $65,912.
  1. Favorite Healthcare Staffing
    Average Salary: $125,039
    Favorite Healthcare Staffing offers rewarding jobs with competitive pay. They focus on placing healthcare professionals in top facilities. Their benefits and growth opportunities are attractive.


  2. Nomad Health
    Average Salary: $115,798
    Nomad Health provides excellent jobs in the healthcare sector. They offer flexible assignments and good pay. Their commitment to staff well-being makes them a great choice.


  3. Supplemental Health Care
    Average Salary: $102,402
    Supplemental Health Care is a leader in staffing. They offer competitive salaries and many opportunities for advancement. Their dedication to quality care is evident.


  4. Leaf Home
    Average Salary: $99,864
    Leaf Home focuses on home healthcare services. They offer good pay and support for their staff. Their work environment is friendly and supportive.


  5. FUSION Medical Staffing
    Average Salary: $97,833
    FUSION Medical Staffing provides various healthcare staffing solutions. They offer attractive salaries and benefits. Their job placements are diverse and rewarding.


  6. Medical Solutions
    Average Salary: $81,304
    Medical Solutions offers jobs with solid pay and benefits. They focus on healthcare staffing and provide good support for their staff. Their opportunities are varied.


  7. EquipmentShare
    Average Salary: $71,374
    EquipmentShare provides equipment rental services. They offer decent pay and benefits. Their work environment is stable and supportive.


  8. CenterPointe Hospital Columbia
    Average Salary: $69,011
    CenterPointe Hospital Columbia provides healthcare services. They offer competitive salaries and good benefits. Their focus on patient care creates a rewarding work environment.


  9. Nucleus Healthcare
    Average Salary: $66,069
    Nucleus Healthcare offers healthcare staffing solutions. They provide decent pay and benefits. Their staff-friendly policies make it a good place to work.


  10. Landmark Hospitals
    Average Salary: $65,912
    Landmark Hospitals focuses on hospital staffing. They offer good pay and benefits. Their commitment to healthcare excellence makes them a good choice for job seekers.

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

The cost of living in Columbia, MO, is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. The overall cost of living index for Columbia stands at 89, reflecting lower costs in housing, utilities, and healthcare. Job seekers can benefit from this moderate cost of living, making it easier to manage expenses while searching for employment.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbia, MO vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 10% lower, utilities 5% lower, transportation 8% lower, healthcare 12% lower, miscellaneous 13% lower.

Columbia, Missouri, offers a cost of living index that stands at 89, which is slightly below the nationwide average of 100. This means that, overall, living expenses in Columbia are about 11% lower than in the rest of the country. Housing, one of the major costs, accounts for 85% of the national average, indicating that residents can expect to spend less on their homes and rent compared to the national figure. The lower housing costs play a significant role in reducing the overall cost of living.


Furthermore, groceries in Columbia cost 90% of the national average, showing a minor increase over the nationwide norm. Utilities, on the other hand, are priced at 95%, reflecting slightly higher costs for electricity, gas, and water. Transportation costs come in at 92% of the national average, slightly below the nationwide expense levels. Healthcare expenses in Columbia are at 88% of the national average, offering a small advantage to residents. Miscellaneous costs, including entertainment and personal care, are also at 87% of the national average, contributing to Columbia's more affordable lifestyle. These factors combine to make Columbia a more budget-friendly location for those looking to manage their living expenses.

There are 1,644 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
1,644 Job Openings