Overview Salaries

Salaries in Columbus, NE

Updated on Oct 10, 2026
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Salary

What is the average salary in Columbus, NE?

The average salary in Columbus, NE is $54,155 per year.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $54,155 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $4,513 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $1,041 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Columbus, NE, showing an average salary of $26 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

Job seekers looking at opportunities in Columbus, NE, will find the average yearly salary to be around $54,155. This figure helps paint a picture of what one might expect to earn in different roles across the area. With a diverse job market, salaries vary based on industry and position.


Columbus offers competitive wages, especially in key sectors. The highest average salaries, over $100,000, belong to roles in management, finance, and healthcare. Lower paying jobs are in sectors like hospitality and retail. Job seekers can look forward to earning a respectable income with opportunities for growth and advancement.

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What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE?

Columbus, NE, offers several high-paying job opportunities for job seekers. CDL drivers lead the way with an average salary of $87,275 per year, making it one of the best-paying jobs in the area. Registered nurses also earn a competitive salary of $85,884 annually. Other well-paying positions include automotive technicians, earning $82,657 per year, and CNC machinists, with an average salary of $52,049. These jobs provide good earnings and stable career growth. Job seekers interested in these roles can expect to find rewarding opportunities in Columbus, NE.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting CDL Driver with the highest at $87,275 and Material Handler with the lowest at $40,886.

  1. CDL Driver
    Average Salary: $87,275
    Drive large vehicles to transport goods across state lines. Work for companies like Werner Enterprises and Landstar System. Delivery can range from food supplies to construction materials.
    Find CDL Driver jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Registered Nurse
    Average Salary: $85,884
    Provide patient care in hospitals or clinics. Work in facilities like St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center. Offer support and treatment to patients needing medical attention.
    Find Registered Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Automotive Technician
    Average Salary: $82,657
    Diagnose and fix vehicle issues. Work at places like Toyota of Columbus. Ensure all vehicles are safe and running smoothly for the local community.
    Find Automotive Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Licensed Practical Nurse
    Average Salary: $63,386
    Assist in patient care under supervision of doctors and RNs. Work at places like St. Elizabeth Regional Medical Center. Provide basic medical care and monitor patient health.
    Find Licensed Practical Nurse jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. CNC Machinist
    Average Salary: $52,049
    Operate machines to create metal components. Work for companies like Columbus Manufacturing. Follow precise instructions to produce parts used in various industries.
    Find CNC Machinist jobs in Columbus, NE


  6. Maintenance Technician
    Average Salary: $51,812
    Fix and maintain machinery and equipment. Work in facilities like local manufacturing plants. Ensure everything runs smoothly for production and safety.
    Find Maintenance Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  7. Social Worker
    Average Salary: $44,192
    Help individuals and families in need. Work for organizations like Central Community Services. Provide resources and support for those facing challenges.
    Find Social Worker jobs in Columbus, NE


  8. Family Support Specialist
    Average Salary: $42,215
    Support families with counseling and resources. Work for organizations like Central Community Services. Help families improve their well-being and stability.
    Find Family Support Specialist jobs in Columbus, NE


  9. Machine Operator
    Average Salary: $41,077
    Run machines to produce goods. Work at manufacturing plants like Columbus Manufacturing. Follow instructions to produce high-quality products.
    Find Machine Operator jobs in Columbus, NE


  10. Material Handler
    Average Salary: $40,886
    Move materials within a facility. Work for companies like Werner Enterprises. Ensure timely delivery of materials for production and shipping.
    Find Material Handler jobs in Columbus, NE

What are the best paying jobs in Columbus, NE without a degree?

Job seekers in Columbus, NE, can find excellent opportunities in roles that do not require a degree. High-paying jobs include Line Cooks who earn an average of $33,580. Lawn Care Technicians also do well, with an average salary of $32,645. These positions offer a good income and valuable work experience. Other positions with attractive salaries include Housekeeping, where workers earn an average of $31,326. Servers can expect to make about $30,814, while Baristas earn around $29,881. These roles provide solid wages and chances to build a successful career without needing a college degree.
Graph displaying best paying job salaries in Columbus, NE without a degree, highlighting Line Cook with the highest at $33,580 and Barista with the lowest at $29,881.

  1. Line Cook
    Average Salary: $33,580
    Line cooks work in fast-paced kitchens. They prepare ingredients and cook meals. They work in local restaurants like diners and cafes. These roles need attention to detail and teamwork.
    Find Line Cook jobs in Columbus, NE


  2. Lawn Care Technician
    Average Salary: $32,645
    Lawn care technicians maintain yards for homeowners. They mow, trim, and water the grass. Companies like local landscaping firms hire for these roles. Clean and well-kept landscapes are a sign of good service.
    Find Lawn Care Technician jobs in Columbus, NE


  3. Housekeeping
    Average Salary: $31,326
    Housekeeping staff clean rooms and common areas. They work in hotels and motels. This job calls for attention to detail and a willingness to clean. It involves tasks like changing linens and tidying up spaces.
    Find Housekeeping jobs in Columbus, NE


  4. Server
    Average Salary: $30,814
    Servers work in the food service industry. They take orders and serve food and drinks. They work in local restaurants and cafes. Good customer service skills are a must. They interact with guests to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
    Find Server jobs in Columbus, NE


  5. Barista
    Average Salary: $29,881
    Baristas prepare coffee and other drinks. They work in cafes and coffee shops. This job involves making espresso and lattes. Attention to detail and customer service skills are key. They ensure each drink meets the customers' taste.
    Find Barista jobs in Columbus, NE

Which companies offer the top salaries in Columbus, NE?

Job seekers in Columbus, NE, have access to several companies that offer competitive salaries. Riverside Transport, Inc. and Ocean Healthcare Solutions lead the way with average salaries around $87,361 and $83,000, respectively. These companies provide attractive compensation packages, making them strong contenders for those seeking rewarding employment opportunities. Other notable employers include BD and Cargill, with average salaries around $59,210 and $57,825, respectively. These companies also provide solid earning potential. Various sectors, from transportation and healthcare to manufacturing and staffing, present diverse opportunities. Job seekers can find positions that align with their skills and career goals while enjoying competitive pay.
Graph displaying company salaries in Columbus, NE, highlighting Riverside Transport, Inc. with the highest at $87,361 and Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska with the lowest at $35,462.

  1. Riverside Transport, Inc.
    Average Salary: $87,361
    Riverside Transport, Inc. offers competitive salaries and benefits. They provide transportation services across the country.


  2. Ocean Healthcare Solutions
    Average Salary: $83,000
    Ocean Healthcare Solutions focuses on healthcare staffing. They offer excellent pay and benefits to their employees.


  3. BD
    Average Salary: $59,210
    BD is known for medical technologies. They provide a stable salary and good benefits.


  4. Cargill
    Average Salary: $57,825
    Cargill is a global leader in agriculture. They offer various opportunities with a solid salary package.


  5. Associate Staffing
    Average Salary: $49,691
    Associate Staffing helps find jobs in various industries. They offer decent salaries and benefits.


  6. MIDWEST COVENANT HOME INC
    Average Salary: $48,220
    MIDWEST COVENANT HOME INC provides senior living services. They offer competitive pay and benefits.


  7. State of Nebraska
    Average Salary: $43,960
    The State of Nebraska offers jobs in various sectors. They provide a stable salary and good benefits.


  8. Essential Personnel - Staffing
    Average Salary: $38,877
    Essential Personnel - Staffing helps find jobs in different fields. They offer fair salaries.


  9. Caesars Entertainment
    Average Salary: $38,255
    Caesars Entertainment provides hospitality and entertainment jobs. They offer good compensation packages.


  10. Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska
    Average Salary: $35,462
    Goodwill Industries of Greater Nebraska provides job training and employment. They offer fair salaries and benefits.

How does the cost of living in Columbus, NE compare to the national average?

Columbus, NE, boasts a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. The overall cost of living index for Columbus stands at 89, indicating residents generally spend about 11% less than the average American. This makes Columbus an attractive place for those seeking a more affordable lifestyle without significant trade-offs in daily expenses.
Cost of living comparison graph for Columbus, NE vs. Nationwide: housing 15% lower, groceries 5% lower, utilities 10% lower, transportation 12% lower, healthcare 8% lower, miscellaneous 13% lower.

Columbus, Nebraska, offers a lower cost of living compared to the nationwide average, which is set at 100. Notably, housing costs in Columbus are 85, meaning that housing expenses are 15% lower than the national average. This difference can make housing more affordable, providing a financial advantage for residents. Additionally, groceries cost 95, indicating they are only 5% above the national average, which also contributes to the overall lower cost of living.


Utilities in Columbus are priced at 90, just 10% below the national average. This small difference suggests that utility expenses remain quite comparable to the national average. Transportation costs in Columbus stand at 88, which is 12% lower than the nationwide average, offering another cost-saving opportunity. Healthcare costs are slightly above average at 92, with a modest increase of 2%, and miscellaneous expenses are at 87, reflecting an 13% reduction. Together, these factors illustrate that Columbus provides a more affordable living environment for many essential needs.

There are 362 job openings in Columbus, NE, today!

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Columbus, NE
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