What is the average salary in Columbia, MO?
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.
What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Outside Sales Representative
Average Salary: $97,400
Sell products to businesses. Build relationships with clients. Companies like Cisco and IBM offer sales positions.
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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.
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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.
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Respiratory Therapist
Average Salary: $92,600
Treat patients with breathing problems. Work in hospitals and clinics. Employers include SSM Health and Boone Hospital Center.
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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.
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What are the best paying jobs in Columbia, MO without a degree?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Groundskeeper
Average Salary: $34,991
These workers care for outdoor areas on properties. They mow lawns and trim hedges. Many start without a degree.
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Server
Average Salary: $33,191
Servers take food and drink orders in restaurants. They deliver meals and handle payments. Many start without a degree.
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Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbia, MO?

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Leaf Home
Average Salary: $109,810
Leaf Home offers services related to residential and commercial landscaping. They provide creative designs and quality work.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medical Solutions
Average Salary: $85,020
Medical Solutions offers healthcare staffing services. They help connect healthcare professionals with various job opportunities nationwide.
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EquipmentShare
Average Salary: $77,504
EquipmentShare is a company that offers equipment rentals and sales. They provide equipment for construction, agriculture, and other industries.
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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.
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Camping World
Average Salary: $64,690
Camping World sells recreational vehicles and camping gear. They offer a wide selection of products for outdoor enthusiasts.
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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.
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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 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.



